All Things Herbal

Archive for the ‘Aromatherapy’ Category

 

 

Natural Skin Care

If you don’t like spending a lot of time making your own products for your skin care routine (which I don’t because there never seems to be the time for it) then you may like to try some of following recipes which are really easy and are the ones I like to use.

 

 

Cleanser

There are two options for a cleanser. You can use Witch Hazel which you can purchase off the supermarket shelf or try the following recipe:

30 mls of sweet almond oil

15 drops of cold pressed lemon 100% essential oil

Clean face with facial pad wiping off any excess oil.

Flower Water Homemade Toner

Witch Hazel can also be used as a toner or try the following recipe:

1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh herbs or 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried herbs (see below)

3 fl oz (75ml) boiling water

1 drop of essential oil [100% essential oil]

This recipe also makes a nice spritzer on a hot day because it has been kept in the fridge. It has a lovely cooling effect – just apply it throughout the day with either a cotton ball or a makeup removal pad.

Method

1. Make an herbal infusion by placing the herbs into a bowl and pouring the boiling water over them.
2. Allow the infusion to cool, before straining.
3. Add the essential oil and transfer into a sterile bottle.
4. Store in the refrigerator and use within a month.
5. Dampen a cotton ball with the flower water, and gently smooth over the face, giving extra attention to the nose and cheeks area. 1

I have been using the dried marshmallow herb (Althaea officinalis) for this one because of the mucilage content and because it is soothing to the skin. I keep the marshmallow leaf, certified organic, for tea and for this recipe. Lavender is a nice oil to add to this recipe.

Moisturiser

Purchase natural unscented moisturiser and to each 30 mls add the following essential oils:

15 drops of Chamomile

15 drops of Lavender

 Apply in the morning.

Night Oil

30 mls of Sweet Almond oil

15 drops of Egyptian Geranium

5 drops of Lemon Cold Press oil

5 drops of Chamomile

5 drops of Lavender

Use 100% essential oil for this recipe because fragrance oils don’t have the same therapeutic effects. Apply at night before retiring.

Reference 1.  SavvyHomemade.com. Step2 Homemade Toner. Accessed online 30^th December, 2011 at 6.06 am. http://www.savvyhomemade.com/homemade-toner.html

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                              Essential Oils for Christmas

The last  blog for 2011 has to be about using essential for creating a great atmosphere for Xmas! Sprinkle some cinnamon and orange in your pot pourri , some frankincense on some pine cones under the Christmas tree, and don’t forget a drop of two on your candles.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Aromas and the Sense of Smell

Aromas

•  Nerve cells in the nasal cavity detect aromas and pass the information through the olfactory bulb and into the brain. The olfactory nerve cells are the only sensory pathways that open directly into the brain.  The olfactory stimuli regulate our mental and physical wellbeing. As you inhale an aroma odour molecules enter your nostrils and drift up towards your olfactory receptors. Once in the receptors identify an odour, nerve cells relay this information directly to the limbic system. 
• Aromas then link the limbic area of the brain to the areas that affect many of our human functions where the nervous and endocrine systems regulate and control bodily processes such as hormones, digestion and breathing. 
• The direct link between the sense of smell and certain areas of the brain helps to explain why aromas experienced have a powerful effect on the mind and emotions and in bringing forth memories.

Inhalation

•  When you inhale essential oils they enter your respiratory system as well as your brain. 
• In your lungs molecules of essential oils attach themselves to oxygen molecules and are carried in your bloodstream and circulated to every cell in your body. 
• Essential oils can activate the body’s ability to heal itself and improve health.
• Direct inhalation or diffusion will enhance emotional wellness, relax or rejuvenate and pleasurable scents unlock odour memories, trigger our emotions and release stress.

The human olfactory system

 

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             Looking After Your Essential Oils

         Guest post by Gwendoline Ford

 Imagine going to a friend’s house and discovering that they’ve invested in a bottle of this year’s Grange to give to their newborn son on his eighteenth birthday. These friends—who are by no means wine buffs—have invested a significant amount of money in this bottle, and are fervently hoping that in eighteen years’ time the wine inside will be in peak condition. Then you find out that they’re storing the wine vertically in a glass-fronted cupboard directly above the stove—poorly-oriented and exposed to heat and light. It will be a miracle if the wine is drinkable in three months’ time, let alone in peak condition in eighteen years’ time! You’d tell them straight away to store it somewhere more appropriate, wouldn’t you?

Many aromatherapists feel much the same way when they see how poorly many people store their essential oils. Essential oils are the most volatile components of the plant, which means they are particularly susceptible to being damaged by heat, light, and oxygen. As I’m sure you’re all aware, essential oils are not cheap—even the most abundant oils such as Eucalyptus are relatively expensive, while the cost of a CO2-extracted rose absolute or a 100% pure jasmine enfleurage are astronomical! Yet despite this, many people don’t store or look after their essential oils properly—essentially throwing money away when they realise that their oils have lost their vital spark. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your essential oil collection at home:

 

1. Know how long each oil will last, and use each bottle up before its ‘use-by date’. Most essential oils will last around five years, but some have shorter or longer lifespans, depending on the oil. Most cold-pressed citrus oils will only last two years, for example. Patchouli is an interesting exception to the rule: as patchouli oil ages, it becomes mellower, richer, and more fragrant, ageing like wine. 

 

2. Keep your essential oils away from heat, light, and oxygen.  Heat, light, and oxygen all accelerate the chemical processes that destroy the potency of your essential oils, so it therefore follows that you should do your best to keep them away from these. Keep your essential oils somewhere cool and away from sunlight (the refrigerator is fine!), and make sure you have screwed the lid on tightly. If you buy your essential oils in bulk, you may wish to split a larger bottle into smaller bottles in order to reduce the amount of oxygen the oil is exposed to as the bottles are emptied. Because of the heat and humidity of the shower, the bathroom is not the best place to store your essential oils.

 

3. Hygiene first when making blends. The base oil used to create an aromatherapy blend can go rancid when heat, light, and oxygen allow microbes within the oil to multiply and break the fatty acids of the oil down into their basic acid components (hence the sharp, acrid scent of rancid butter). In order to prevent this happening to your blends, make them in as sterile an environment as you can manage, and decant them immediately into sterilised dark glass bottles.  The darkness of the bottles will keep out light, and the glass is non-reactive (as opposed to plastic, which can be damaged by the essential oil’s components).  To sterilise bottles, boil them in a pot of water for five minutes, or rinse them with pure ethanol and dry them with the hot air from a hairdryer. Adding the contents of a vitamin E capsule to a blend can help preserve it longer.

 

4. Safety first. Essential oils can be harmful if ingested, so make sure that they are kept out of the reach of children.

 

Gwendoline Ford is the principal of Health and Harmony Colleges, the Aromatherapy College of Australia, and Career Accelerators. She has extensive training in aromatherapy, herbal medicine, natural therapies, and hypnotherapy, amongst other qualifications. Find out more about Gwendoline at her blog: http://gwendolineford.com/about

 

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                 Tea Tree Oil & Viruses

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is native to Australia although other varieties are cultivated elsewhere but M. alternifolia is not produced outside Australia and mainly in New South Wales. Its ‘uses are based on a very long history of use by the aboriginal people of Australia’. 1  Julie Lawless states that ‘it has been extensively researched by scientific methods with the following results:

• The oil is unusual in that it is active against three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses.
• It is a very powerful immune-stimulant, so when the body is threatened by any of these organisms ti-tree increases its ability to respond.

It is considered non toxic, non irritant although with a possible sensitisation in some individuals. 2

To use in the home as means for keeping viruses, the cold and flu at bay it is best to use an electric vaporiser. Electric vaporisers help to avoid the inhalation of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases when burning candles. It is one of the easiest ways to enjoy aromatherapy. Just add 2-3 drops of oil and it can be used in any room in the home, beside the bed or in the workplace. Make sure it is only 2-3 drops when there are children or elderly in the home.

Use a couple of drops on a wet cloth to wipe down areas in the kitchen because it has an antiseptic action. One or two drops when washing clothes in the washing machine will also help.

Reference

1 & 2. Julie Lawless. 1992. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health & Well-Being.  Thorsons.

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Essential Oil Blend for Arthritis

Massage Blend

30 mils of sweet almond carrier oil

5 drops of ginger

5 drops of Orange Sweet (dark)

5 drops of black pepper

Leave the blend for 2-3 days to synergise and then massage twice daily morning and night on the affected area.

Profile of Oils

Ginger was chosen for its warming properties and ability to give relief for rheumatism, black pepper for pain and muscular relief, and orange for dry skin often associated with arthritis. Sweet almond as the carrier oil because it also relieves soreness and dryness and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Caution

Do a skin test patch first before using and if any sensitisation appears do not use. Keep out of the reach of children, do not use if pregnant and keep away from eyes.

Tips

• It is a good idea to change blends from time to time to get the best results from essential oils.
• Another helpful tip for arthritis is to use Epsom salts in a bath. It is made out magnesium sulphate and can help reduce joint pain and has been a remedy for arthritis for many years. Use 2 cups in a bath of hot water.

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          Essential Oils for Colds & Flu

 

Colds and the flu make us miserable in the winter months and I like to use  natural alternatives to relieve the symptoms and essential oils are one of my favourites. Research has shown:

 … that with their immune-stimulating properties, essential oils enhance and support the building of the immune system, whether they are inhaled or rubbed on the body topically. Even those who contract a cold or the flu, recover 70 per cent faster when using essential oils. Valnet and other doctors in the field of medical aromatherapy discovered that blends of certain essential oils are not only more powerful than when used singly, but that the mysterious factor of synergy is at work – the effect of say three essential oils will be three times more effective but perhaps 30 times [more in synergy]. 1

 

                                Oils for Blending                                                       

• Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Lemon, Tea Tree, Petitgrain                                                       

           Action: Antibiotic

           Description: Combats the life of microorganism in the body

• Essential Oils: Black Pepper, Pine, Fennel, Helychrysum, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tea Tree, Myrrh, Rosemary, Spearmint

            Action: Antimicrobial

            Description: Reducing microbes

• Essential Oils: All essential oils are antiseptic in some form. The most effective are: Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lavender, and Tea Tree

           Action: Antiseptic

           Description: Inhibits bacteria growth

 

                                      RECIPES FOR BLENDS 

There are a number of different ways that you can use essential oils and here are a few that you can try. Make sure that you are using 100% essential oil and not fragrant oils because fragrant oils do not have the same therapeutic effect. When using the recipes for children or the elderly halve the quantity of oils used.

Vaporiser 

Blend three oils of your choice of 15 drops of each oil and leave to synergise for a few days and use between 3-6 drops in a vaporiser. Remember with essential oils that less is more effective than using larger quantities of essential oil. 

Massage 

To make a recipe to be used on the body use 30 mls of a carrier oils such as sweet almond oils and add 5 drops of 3 separate oils of your choice. Leave to synergise for a few days and then massage the body with the blend.  

Dry Inhalation 

On a tissue handkerchief place 1 drop of lemon, 1 drop of lavender and 1 drop of eucalyptus oil and inhale through your noses and then exhale through your mouth.  

Steam Inhalation 

In a basin of hot to boiling water add 5 drops of lavender, 5 drops of lemon and 5 drops of tea tree oil and hold your head 45 cms above the basin and inhale the steam. Be careful of the hot water when using it for children.   

Bath 

Choose a combination of 3 oils that you like from the above list and add 5 drops of each to a bath making sure the oils are well dispersed before getting in to it. 

Antiseptic & Antibacterial Cleaning Recipe 

See the blog for the recipe for ‘Lavender and Lemon Essential Oils for Cleaning’ to use in the home to keep the bacteria at bay in the aromatherapy category.  

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Reference

1. Health and Harmony Colleges. Aromatherapy Practitioner Course, Lesson Seven. P.7. 2010.

 

 

                       

                      Essential Oil Blend for Insomnia

Have you had one of those nights when you can’t get to sleep or wake up later in the night and can’t go back to sleep? I have found that essential oils work well in these situations and create an ambiance which encourages sleep by relaxing the body and the mind.

I have developed a blend that I have found works well and can be used as a massage prior to going to bed, or in an electric vaporiser beside the bed or as touch point oil. Make the blend for the vaporiser and store in a dark bottle and use 3-4 drops in the vaporiser. The touch point oil can be used in the same as perfume as one drop on the wrists and can be used one hour prior to going to bed. Do not use all three at the one just select two of them. Use the table below as the guideline for each blend.

 

Deep & Restorative Sleep
Oils	MassageBlend	VaporiserBlend	Touch Points Blend
Ylang Ylang	5 Drops	15 Drops	1 Drop
Chamomile	5 Drops	15 Drops	1 Drop
Lavender	5 Drops	15  Drops	1 Drop
Sweet Almond Carrier oil	30 Mls	Nil	3 Mls

 

Sweet Marjoram is also a  specific oil for insomnia and can be substituted as an oil in this blend. Make sure you use 100% essential oils because fragrant oils do not have the same therapeutic effect. 100% essential oils should not used directly on the body but always combined with a carrier oil and make sure they are kept away from eyes and check with your medical practitioner if you are pregnant before using.

Research on lemon balm has has shown that it is a mood enhancer for depression, anxiety, nervousness and extreme emotional states. If these are the cause of insomnia go to this link to find out more  about lemon balm.

Sleep well!

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Lavender and Lemon Essential Oils for Cleaning

The recipe below for lavender water combined with equal parts of vinegar is the only disinfectant I use in the home. I will often substitute lavender for lemon essential oil and I don’t always include the vodka. Its purpose is to combine and disperse the oils more easily, but I find a good shake of the bottle before using works just as well and it is less expensive. White vinegar is a natural antiseptic and, combined with lavender or lemon essential oil, is a natural antibacterial agent. It can be used safely and without the fear of harmful interactions caused by many cleansers and air fresheners.

Lavender Water Mixture

4 cups of distilled water

5 tablespoons of vodka in a non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic)

Add 30 drops of essential oil of lavender to the lavender water mixture, being careful to avoid direct contact with your skin

Stir the mixture

Pour mixture into a spray bottle using a small funnel

Allow mixture to blend 24 hours before using

Shake mixture vigorously before each use. Store the mixture in a cool place or in the refrigerator.

Uses for Lavender Water

• Combine the lavender water mixture with equal parts vinegar for an inexpensive, all-purpose disinfectant.
• When washing bedding, include mixture in the rinse cycle.
• Pour mixture directly into your iron to make clothes smell sweet, or keep nearby in a spray bottle.
• Spritz lavender water onto a handkerchief or sachet and place under your pillow to help promote sound, restful sleep.
• Wash stove tops and microwaves with lavender water or lavender disinfectant to remove the odour of burnt food, garlic or onions.
• Rinse trash containers with lavender water or lavender disinfectant to keep them smelling fresh and clean.
• Use lavender water to clean your car’s upholstery, carpeting, dashboard and ashtray. It will help mask the odour of stale cigarette smoke, mould and mildew. 1

 Some information about vinegar and its standing as an anti-bacterial agent:

The disinfectant properties of vinegar have been verified by numerous studies including those conducted by the Good Housekeeping Institute, as reported on 48 hours (on CBS) in 2000. A straight 5% solution of vinegar kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of viruses, however in the USA,Heinz can’t claim on their packaging that vinegar is a disinfectant since the company has not registered it as a pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency. However, it seems to be common knowledge in the industry that vinegar is powerfully antibacterial. Even the CBS news show “48 Hours” had a special years ago with Heloise reporting on tests from The Good Housekeeping Institute that showed this. 2

If you are interested in Melissa (Lemon Balm) essential oil go to the Book Shop

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 References

 1. ehow.com. How to Make Lavender Water. Accessed online 12^th July, 2010 at 6.05 am. http://www.ehow.com/how_4424765_make-lavender-water.html#ixzz0tPEOvplM

2. Natural Healthy Home Cleaning Tips. Vinegar and the Baking Soda Cleaning Recipes. Accessed online 24th April, 2011 at 8.41 am. http://www.natural-healthy-home-cleaning-tips.com/vinegar_baking_soda_cleaning_recipes_htm

 

 

  

 

                           Aromatherapy Oils for Stress

If you or someone else is visibly stressed using a favourite oil to breathe in immediately can help because essential oils evoke an inner calm and equilibrium at once.

 

Lemon

One of my favourite oils is the citrus oil lemon and it makes me feel good and think of happier times in my childhood when I would eat lemons and the rind. Of course in those days I gave it a good dose of sugar which is not exactly advisable now but it sure made it taste good!

Melissa Oil

One essential oil that is known for its sedating qualities and for bringing calmness to the mind is Melissa Officinalis. It is extracted from the herb Lemon Balm. You need to read the label when buying this oil to make sure it 100% Melissa oil because it is often sold as combination of lemongrass and citronella and doesn’t have the same therapeutic effect. Go to this link to find out more about Lemon Balm

Lavender

Lavender oil is another one known for its ability to bring about a relaxed state of mind and is particularly helpful when suffering from insomnia. Put on drop on the pillow at night and 3-4 drops can also be used in an electric oil burner beside the bed to fragrance the room. It can also be used in a bath but you need to make sure the oil is well dispersed.

Geranium Egyptian

This oil is can be used to calm irritability and is also helpful for insomnia. It has a strong aroma and can have a heady effect so take care that you use 1- 2 drops to start with until you find the right balance.

Once you have found the range of oils  you like that make you feel good then you can try blending them. 

NB: The oils should not be applied directly to the skin and must be kept away from the eyes, and check with your doctor if the oils are safe if pregnant.

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