Category Archives: Essential Oils

Essential Carrier Oils for Home Massage

Massage is one of the oldest forms of treatment and can be traced back many thousands of years to the ancient Greeks, Persians and Chinese who are said to have practiced massage as a spiritual art. The word Massage comes from the Greek ‘massein’ meaning ‘to knead’.

It has long been recognized that the power of touch is crucial to us as humans. We are all sensual beings and as a result our bodies respond well to massage and human contact. Research in the UK has proven that in many health institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, etc. patients responded better to treatment and were more content when there was more physical contact between their carers and themselves.

There are many types of massage techniques which can include, sports massage, mother and baby massage, Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology, but the basic principle of each is very similar.

massage2.jpg Massage improves circulation allowing your blood to send oxygen and nutrients to your muscles where ultimately they are converted into energy. Furthermore it assists the filtering out of toxins and drains the essential lymph system which is so important for a strong immune system.

The end result is healing; a nourished, cleansed and relaxed body and, a wonderful sense of well being that can last for many days afterwards.

Carrier oils are just that. They are the oils that carry the essential oil. There are a wide variety available including the following:

Almond Oil – very easily absorbed by the skin, is very smooth, has little smell, keeps well, contains vitamin D and has beneficial effects on hair, dry skin and brittle nails
Apricot kernel Oil – light, contains Vitamin A, particularly good for use on the face if the skin is dry or aging
Avocado Oil – heavy, rich in nutrients, very good for dry aging and sensitive skins Evening Primrose Oil – helpful for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, only keeps for about 2 months after opening
Grapeseed Oil – light, good for oily skin, one of the least expensive oils
Hazelnut Oil – penetrates the skin very easily and is deeply nourishing Jojoba Oil – light, rich in vitamin E, beneficial for spots, acne, dandruff and dry scalp
Olive Oil – can be used in a pinch, but has a strong smell which may compete with the essential oil
Peach Kernel Oil – light, contains vitamins A and E, very good for the face
Soya Oil – easily absorbed, rich in vitamin E
Sunflower Oil – contains essential fatty acids, rich in vitamin E, has a slightly nutty smell
Wheatgerm Oil – contains vitamins A, B, C and E, firms and tones the skin, reduces blemishes, can help to reduce scar tissue and stretch marks, has a strong smell Source: The Wonders of Therapeutic Massage

More reading:
Herbal database

Mehl-Madrona Lewis E. “Native American Medicine and the treatment of chronic illness: developing an integrated program and evaluating its effectiveness.” Alternative Therapies. 5(1): 36-44, 1999.
Avery, Charleen. “Native American Medicine: traditional healing.” JAMA. 265(17): 2271-2273, 1991.

Essential oils for treating fatigue

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

The adrenal glands produce important hormones such as cortisol, an energy releaser, and pregnenolone, the precursor from which almost all your body’s steroid hormones are made, including DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, and estrogens.

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Pregnenolone is an extremely important memory enhancer, and not only does it make you smarter, it also brings about feelings of well-being and enhances your ability to deal with stress. Weak adrenal function can have a variety of symptoms, including depression, insomnia, and lowered immune system function.

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There can be many contributing factors to adrenal fatigue, though these can almost all be lumped into the category of ‘too much stress’! Overwork, sleep deprivation, poor eating habits – particularly too much sugar, injury and illness, and over-use of stimulants are a few common causes. Addressing these issues are of primary importance for long-term regeneration of the adrenals and their hormonal output. However, natural adrenal supporting essential oils used in aromatherapy can be very useful in bringing balance and assisting in restoring adrenal function to normal, healthy levels, in mild-to-moderate cases of adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal Supporting Essential Oils

Several easy-to-find essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy to support the adrenal glands. Some are used purely for adrenal gland restoration, while others are used to provide a healthy lift when needed, and may be of assistance when reducing caffeine intake. These oils are not to be taken internally, but are diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

Spruce and Black Spruce Needle Oils – Spruce is thought to restore depleted adrenal glands, and is used regularly by aromatherapists in blends applied directly over the adrenal area, or in an all-over body lotion.

Pine Needle Oil – Pine essential oil is noted to be one of the “most effective oils for fatigue and nervous debility”. Pine can be blended with Spruce for a synergistic revitalizing effect.

Atlas Cedar Oil – Moroccan Cedar is thought to gently and persistently stimulate the metabolism. Rather than regenerating, as do the Spruce and Pine oils, Cedar will provide a smooth, deep, and long lasting stimulation without the side effects of coffee and black tea.

Peppermint Oil – Peppermint has a broad range of healthful properties, and is thought of as an uplifting aroma. Peppermint, like Cedar, can be used for gentle stimulation and alertness.

Citrus Oils – Essential oils pressed from the rinds of citrus fruit like sweet orange, bitter orange (bergamot), lemon and lime are also uplifting and brightening, yet have a relaxing quality as well. They are useful additions to fatigue-busting blends, as the added calming, but not sedating, quality can lower stress levels, which are generally the cause of adrenal fatigue in the first place. ” Source

Essential oils for treating stress

Symptoms of stress in the workplace include excessive sick days, headaches, lethargy, loss of sense of humor, irritability and depression. Other symptoms include making errors, having difficulty concentrating, and feeling defensive or angry inside. Essential oils can help you cope and calm you down, and can enhance productivity.

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You can use essential oils in several ways in the workplace

1. Inhale essential oil directly from the bottle – choose a single oil or create your own blend
2. Place 2 to 3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale
3. Spritzer
4. Perfume

Aromatherapy Recipes and Tips

Important Note: Essential oils that will help to treat stress are diluted in a base or carrier oil. Carrier oils are the oils that carry the essential oil.

1. Do not mix more than 3 oils per blend because the synergistic effects are less predictable.
2. Lavender oil is the “Universal Oil” as it increases the therapeutic benefits of any oil with which it is blended.
3. Keep the essential oil blend dilution to 2% (stress).
In the blends below, add the essential oils to approximately 30 ml carrier oil.

For general stress, a relaxing blend:

30 ml carrier oil

4 drops clary sage ( lowers blood pressure)
3 drops ylang ylang (slows rapid heart beating and breathing)
3 drops lavender

NB: high doses of clary sage causes drowsiness; do not consume alcohol while using this essential oil since side effects include nausea and headaches

For irritability:

30 ml carrier oil
3 drops lavender
4 drops chamomile (sedates, calms anger and nervous tension)
3 drops neroli (anti-depressant)

For panic attacks:

30 ml carrier oil
4 drops lavender
4 drops frankincense (slows and deepens breathing)
2 drops marjoram (strong sedative)

For depression:

Blend No. 1
30 ml carrier oil
5 drops geranium (uplifting and balancing)
3 drops benzoin (calming and soothing)
2 drops bergamot (refreshing)

Blend No. 2
30 ml carrier oil
5 drops geranium (uplifting and balancing)
3 drops benzoin (calming and soothing)
2 drops bergamot (refreshing)
NB: do not use bergamot topically before going out into the sun since it can cause discoloration of the skin which can lead to rashes

Blend No. 3
30 ml carrier oil
2 drops lemon (clarifies thoughts)
3 drops rose (anti-depressant)
5 drops sandalwood (relaxing)

For fatigue:

30 ml carrier oil
4 drops lemon (refreshing and tonic effect on circulation)
2 drops black pepper (gives stamina & enthusiasm)
4 drops sandalwood (relaxes & tonic effect on nervous system)
NB: do not use lemon topically before going out into the sun since it can cause discoloration of the skin which can lead to rashes

For headaches:

30 ml carrier oil
3 drops peppermint (clears head and detoxifies)
4 drops lavender
3 drops rose (eases nervous tension)
NB: too much peppermint in the evening may cause disturbed sleep patterns

For anxiety:

30 ml carrier oil
4 drops petitgrain (soothing and general tonic)
3 drops geranium (balancing)
3 drops sandalwood (relaxing)

For moodiness:

30 ml carrier oil
2 drops patchouli (balancing)
3 drops lemon (uplifting)
5 drops geranium (calming, balancing & uplifting) Source

Carrier oils are the oils that carry the essential oil. A wide variety is available including the following:

Almond oil – very easily absorbed by the skin, is very smooth, has little smell, keeps well, contains vitamin D and has beneficial effects on hair, dry skin and brittle nails.
Apricot kernel oil – light, contains Vitamin A, particularly good for use on the face if the skin is dry or aging.
Avocado oil – heavy, rich in nutrients, very good for dry aging and sensitive skins.
Evening primrose oil – helpful for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, only keeps for about 2 months after opening.
Grapeseed oil – light, good for oily skin, one of the least expensive oils.
Hazelnut oil – penetrates the skin very easily and is deeply nourishing Jojoba Oil – light, rich in vitamin E, beneficial for spots, acne, dandruff and dry scalp.
Olive oil – can be used in a pinch, but has a strong smell which may compete with the essential oil.
Peach kernel oil – light, contains vitamins A and E, very good for the face.
Soya Oil – easily absorbed, rich in vitamin E.
Sunflower oil – contains essential fatty acids, rich in vitamin E, has a slightly nutty smell.
Wheatgerm oil – contains vitamins A, B, C and E, firms and tones the skin, reduces blemishes, can help to reduce scar tissue and stretch marks, has a strong smell.

Related posts: Homemade Bubblebath Recipes,  Essential Oils for Treating Fatigue,  Essential Carrier Oils for Home Massage, Aromatherapy for colds flu and sinusitis, Headaches Be Gone! Home Headache Remedies

Aromatherapy for Colds, Flu and Sinusitis

polar bearsAutumn is here and winter suggests the cold and flu season is on it’s way. It’s easy to grab the over the counter medications that clear the sinus passages, but many people prefer not to use these or any other pharmaceutical drug if there are effective natural alternatives. Steam inhalation with essential oils works wonders for colds and sinus headaches and is a better solution to naturally clearing congested sinuses.

How to use essential oils for inhalation

Bring water to a boil and carefully pour about 4-6 cups of boiling water into a large glass bowl. Quickly drop 4-5 drops of for example eucalyptus or peppermint oil into the water. Put a towel over your head and hold your head over the bowl. Keep your eyes closed and and breathe in the steam slowly and deeply. Keep your head under the towel, over the hot water for about 15 minutes and if the heat is too much, take a quick breather away from the steam and then resume. You can use 4-5 drops of the same oils in the bath as well to soothe aching muscles and the steam will help relieve the nose as well.

Warning: People with congestive heart failure or epilepsy shouldn’t steam. Pregnant women, infants and small children shouldn’t steam either. Essential oils should not be taken internally or directly placed onto the skin.

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