USES OF ESSENTIAL OILS
The joy of using essential oils is that there is such a variety of simple usages which are both therapeutic and fun. There are many methods of using essential oils to make your home an aromatic haven. You may try a foot or hip bath or use a fragrancer or better still a diffuser. However, NEVER use neat essential oils directly onto the skin, always dilute them in a carrier oil, and patch test an area on the skin for sensitivity. |
Using the Right Essential Oils |
MASSAGE
The joy of using essential oils is that there is such a variety of simple usages which are both therapeutic and fun. There are many methods of using essential oils to make your home an aromatic haven. You may try a foot or hip bath or use a fragrancer or better still a diffuser. However, NEVER use neat essential oils directly onto the skin, always dilute them in a carrier oil, and patch test an area on the skin for sensitivity.
One of the easiest ways of practicing Aromatherapy at home is through massage. When making your own oils simply use a 5ml teaspoon of quality carrier oil along with two drops of your favourite essential oil. For the best results try to make up the oil a couple of days before you wish to use it to allow the carrier oil to absorb the aroma fully.
BATHING
For an aromatic bath for silky smooth skin simply use one of the Nelson & Russell Bath & Massage oils which are pure and natural and gentle on your skin. Alternatively, an essential oil of your choice diluted in a carrier oil can be added directly into the bath just before you are about to get in. An effective Aromatherapy bath can be enjoyed by adding 5ml (a teaspoon) of your choice of the ready prepared Nelson & Russell Bath and Massage Oil synergies to full tub. Drop the oil in just before you enter, swish the water to disperse. . Lie back and slowly breathe in the aroma. If using neat essential oils in a bath then add no more than 8 drops to a full tub; less if you have sensitive skin. Remember that Nelson & Russell oils are very concentrated.
FOOT BATH
To put life back into tired feet add up to 5 drops of an essential oil to a bowl of hand-hot water and soak the feet for ten minutes.
BURNERS, DIFFUSERS
The simplest way of fragrancing a room is with a burner, which has a lower compartment for a candle and a small saucer to be filled with water into which a few drops of essential oil is added. The heat of the candle gently evaporates the water and oil releasing the aroma.
N.B. Do not leave burners unattended as they can catch fire.
COMPRESSES
Apply either a hot or cold compress depending on the condition - if in doubt consult an Aromatherapist. Add up to 6 drops of essential oil to the water, place some lint on the surface of the water so that it absorbs the essential oil, wring out the cloth and apply where required.
HAIR AND FACE OIL
Some oils are good for the skin and can be applied as a pre-bath facial or as a body lotion/moisturizer. Use 1 drop of essential oil to 2 teaspoons or carrier oil. For hair, massage the blend into the scalp and leave for 15 - 30 minutes before shampooing. For a hair rinse add 4 drops of essential oil to 1 litre of water. Ensure the combination is well shaken to disperse the oil. .
HANDKERCHIEFS/TISSUES
You can add neat essential oils to a handkerchief - Eucalyptus to help clear the head - Rosemary to clarify the mind - Tangerine because you like the smell! Or try a drop of Lavender on the children's pillows at night, good for grown-ups too
PRECAUTIONS
Essential oils are very strong and certain precautions should be taken in their use:
- Store all Aromatherapy products in a cool, dark place, separate from homeopathic medicines. Once a carrier oil base has been opened, use within three months.
- Keep essential oils well away from eyes.
- Keep all bottle caps tight - essential oils evaporate quickly.
- Keep all essential oils safe and out of the reach of children. Neat essential oils may be hazardous to children.
- Do not take neat essential oils internally, by mouth. Certain publications encourage this practice - Nelson & Russell do not advocate this.
- Do not use the oils for extended periods.
- If you are prone to sensitive skin always ‘patch' test any preparation you may make. Do not use undiluted essential oils on the skin.
- If you are ill, or suffering from high blood pressure or epilepsy, or if you are pregnant, before using any essential oils, consult a qualified medical practitioner.
USING THE RIGHT ESSENTIAL OILS
There are certain oils which are recognized as being particularly beneficial for certain conditions.
| FOR WOMEN
Some oils are traditionally soothing and helpful in relieving feelings of apprehension and fear, for example Clary Sage, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang and Lavender. Along with Geranium oil, which is though to balance the emotions, these oils are especially feminine and can benefit the life-style of a busy woman, be it at work or at home. The Nelson & Russell premix, Feminine Care contains Bergamot, Geranium and Blue Chamomile, a delicate combination of oils specially blend for women. AFTER WORK After finishing work most people feel that they need to unwind and release the pent up pressures of the day. Using an essential oil like Lavender or Ylang Ylang in a bath or foot spa, and especially when coupled with massage goes a long way to soothe away tenseness. If on the other hand you feel the need to be refreshed, a body rub of Rosemary or Tangerine will be particularly stimulating after a cool shower or bath. Alternatively Nelson & Russell have ready to use bath & massage oils: Rest & Relax containing Orange and Ylang Ylang to ease away the pressures of the day and Refresh & Uplift with Lavender and Tangerine, when you need to brighten up. AT HOME A subtle aroma around the home can create an environment which is both pleasant and therapeutic. Oils especially good for this purpose are Clary Sage, helpful in all kinds of stressful situations, Rosewood a good "head clearer" and Ylang Ylang often recommended for inducing a state of well being. If during the cold winter months you wish to banish the cold weather blues try a few drops of Eucalyptus or Mint to keep yourself feeling bright and lively. |
FOR MEN More masculine oils include Cypress, Lemon & Sandalwood. Sandalwood is very soothing whilst Cypress and Lemon are refreshing and invigorating. FOR HOLIDAYWhen the heat gets too much, reach for the Nelson & Russell Rose Water Facial Spray - a refreshing mist of fine Floral Waters delicately scented with Rose to moisturize and revitalize. For those annoying bites and stings apply a dab of Tea Tree or Lavender essential oil onto the affected area to help ease discomfort. For sunburn a cold compress of Lavender oil will help soothe the skin and reduce the burning sensation. FOR SPORT Over-exertion is a problem for all men and women who partake in sporting activities, and may result in muscle or tendon strains and even swollen joints. The combination of massage and the healing properties of an essential oil can greatly aid the healing processes. Chamomile is regarded as an excellent oil for helping to ease post-sport muscular aches and pains. The oil can be massaged in or added to a bath. For muscular and joint stiffness, a massage with Wood Marjoram can also be most beneficial. FOR ROMANCE For a relaxing sensual experience, a long mutual massaging session is perfect. The choice of oils for this is very personal, however, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood and Clary Sage are oils closely associated with enhancing sexual responses. Setting the right mood for a romantic dinner can also be achieved by subtle room fragrancing. Put a few drops of your favourite oil in an aromatherapy burner or on a piece of cotton wool behind the radiator to gently release the fragrance into the room. |
Blending Essential Oils For Special Purposes
The more you use essential oils, the more confident you will become in blending oils to suit your mood and your own individual preference. Here are some Special Blends and a List of Essential Oils that blend with each other.
Here are some simple recipes which are easy for you to make up at home. Each recipe contains the amounts of essential oils to be diluted in 20 ml (four teaspoons) of carrier oil. N.B. Always ensure that the essential oil mix is diluted in a carrier oil before using it on the skin.
Comforting 5 drops Lavender 1 drop Ylang Ylang 5 drops Orange 1 drop Wood Marjoram |
To Boost Confidence 7 drops Ylang Ylang 1 drop Sandalwood 5 drops Rosemary 1 drop Mint |
Uplifting
4 drops Frankincense 1 drop Juniper 4 drops Rosewood 4 drops Tangerine |
Unwinding
5 drops Lavender 2 drops Geranium 2 drops Sandalwood 2 drops Rosewood 3 drops Tangerine |
| Healthy Body 5 drops Tea Tree 1 drop Cedarwood 1 drop Lemon 5 drops Eucalyptus |
Invigorating 9 drops Rosemary 3 drops Lemon 1 drop Juniper |
Soothing
3 drops Chamomile 8 drops Lavender 3 drops Rosewood |
Sensual
9 drops Ylang Ylang 1 drop Clary Sage 3 drops Geranium |
ESSENTIAL OILS WHICH BLEND WITH EACH OTHER
| Essential Oil | Accompanying Oil |
| Cedarwood | either: Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Rosemary |
| Chamomile | Geranium, Lavender, Ylang Ylang |
| Clary Sage | Rosemary, Ylang Ylang |
| Cypress | Frankincense, Juniper, Lemon |
| Eucalyptus | Rosemary, Cedarwood, Marjoram |
| Frankincense | Cypress, Orange, Tangerine, Sandalwood |
| Geranium | Cedarwood, Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary |
| Juniper | Frankincense, Rosemary, Cypress, Lavender, Lemon |
| Lavender | Most oils |
| Lemon | Chamomile, Frankincense, Juniper, Lavender |
| Mint | Generally use alone |
| Orange | Rosemary, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense |
| Rosemary | Cedarwood, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper |
| Rosewood | Tangerine, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Rosemary |
| Sandalwood | Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood |
| Tangerine | Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender Lemon |
| Tea Tree | Generally use alone |
| Wood Marjoram | Lavender, Lemon, Eucalyptus |
| Ylang Ylang | Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Orange |
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