USAGE OF ESSENTIAL OILS AND SPECIAL RECIPES

INHALATION
Essential oils enter the body by inhalation alone or by inhalation together with absorbing through the skin. As the vapors are inhaled, the molecules are taken into the capillaries in the walls of the lungs and conveyed around the body as the blood circulates, where they act according to their individual properties. Many oils also have antiseptic and anti-microbial properties, which help relieve respiratory infections and congestion. The part of the brain that deals with memory and emotions is connected directly to the lining of the nose by nerve receptors. As the essences are inhaled, this part of the brain is stimulated in positive mood-enhancing ways. Some essential oils stimulate and intoxicate the senses; others are calming and sedative.

AIR FRESHENER
To encourage feelings of vitality in your immediate surroundings, replace any synthetic air freshener with a natural one of your own. One easy way is to combine various essential oils and water in a plant spray. Ideally, use metal or glass atomizer since these will not be adversely affected by essential oils. Remember to shake it well before use to disperse the essences. One of the joys of making your won air freshener is that you can make different combinations for different rooms, according to the ambience you wish to create and the requirements of that room.

Invigorating Blend I (For diffuser)
6 drops bergamot
3 drops cedarwood
3 drops rosemary

Invigorating Blend II (For diffuser)
4 drops geranium
2 drops rosemary
2 drops lemon

NASAL CONGESTION
3 drops eucalyptus
2 drops peppermint

TIGHT, TENSE CHEST
4 drops lavender
3 drops frankincense


STENCH BUSTERS
The following extra-strength blends will help break down stale cooking odors as well as the lingering smell of cigarette smoke. Spray several times within two hours or, better still, use the same combination of oils in the vaporizer in which case, you will need to halve the quantity of essential oil.

Vamoose
10 drops eucalyptus
8 drops lavender
5 drops lemon grass

Blitz
5 drops thyme
12 drops rosemary
8 drops pine

DRIVE EASY
Any of the following sprays will help keep you alert whilst driving. Incidentally, the same combination of essences can be used in the vaporizer for study purposes

Top Gear
8 drops of rosemary
5 drops of pine
2 drops of peppermint

Flywheel
5 drops of rosemary
4 drops of lime
6 drops of bergamot

Sun Roof
6 drops of bergamot
5 drops of lemon
4 drops of coriander

TRAVELLER’S JOY
For spraying around a hotel bedroom.

Luxury Suite
3 drops rose otto
4 drops clary sage
4 drops neroli

Standard Suite
4 drops geranium
8 drops lavender
5 drops petitgrain

Sweet Dreams
4 drops chamomile (Roman)
4 drops clary sage
6 drops lavender

MASSAGE
Massage is a wonderful way to use essential oils, suitably diluted in good base oil. Recommended base oils include sweet almond oil, grapeseed, safflower, soya, coconut and sunflower. For very dry skins, a small amount of jojoba, avocado or wheatgerm oils may be added. Essential oils may be blended at a dilution of 1 per cent or one drop per 5ml (1tsp) of base oil; this may sometimes be increased to 2 per cent, but take care that no skin reactions occur with any oil.

Caution:
If someone has sensitive skin or suffers from allergies, then try massaging with just one drop of essential oil per 20ml (4 tsp) of base oil at first to test for any reaction (rare). Seek medical advice before massaging a pregnant woman.

Therapeutic recipes for massage or steam inhalation:
For each of the blends suggested below, the number of drops of oils given should be diluted for massage purposes in 20ml (4 tsp) of a base vegetable oil such as sweet almond oil. For steam inhalation, use the number of drops given in a large bowl holding about 1 litre of hot water and for a compress add the specified number of oil drops to a bowl holding 250ml of hot water.

Anxiety Calmer A
4 drops of lavender
2 drops of ylang ylang

Anxiety Calmer B
4 drops rose
3 drops jasmine

Muscular Ache Reliever
3 drops of pine
3 drops of marjoram
2 drops juniper

Revitalizer
3 drops of rosemary
2 drops of peppermint

Energizer
3 drops of clary sage
4 drops of bergamot

Sensual and Aphrodisiac blend A
5 drops of rose
5 drops of sandalwood

Sensual and Aphrodisiac blend B
4 drops of ylang ylang
4 drops of jasmine

Stress Relievers
3 drops of lavender
3 drops of geranium
3 drops of marjoram

Digestive Settler A
3 drops of chamomile
2 drops of orange
Digestive Settler B
2 drops orange
3 drops of peppermint

Backache Reliever A
3 drops pine
3 drops rosemary

Backache Reliever B
4 drops of lavender
3 drops of marjoram

Migraine Easers
2 drops of rosemary
1 drop marjoram
1 drop clary sage

Headache Easers
If head feels hot, use 4 drops peppermint
If head feels warm, use 6 drops of lavender
For either type of headache, use 4 drops chamomile

Pre-menstrual Tension Soother
3 drops of rose
3 drops of jasmine
2 drops of clary sage

BATHS
When using oils in the bath, pour in 5 drops just before you get in. The oils form a thin film on the surface of the water and this, aided by the warmth of the water, will be partly absorbed by the skin while breathing in the scent, producing an immediate psychological and physiological effect.

Morning Bath
For a refreshing, uplifting bath in the mornings:
3 drops bergamot
2 drops geranium

Evening Bath
To relax and unwind after a long day
3 drops lavender
2 drops ylang ylang

Bath for Aching Muscles
For tiered, tense muscles
3 drops marjoram
2 drops chamomile

After-flight bath and massage oils
For a revitalizing bath, add to 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil:
Morning:
5 drops grapefruit
4 drops geranium
1 drop eucalyptus

Evening:
5 drops bergamot
3 drops cypress
2 drops juniper

For a jet lag-relief massage add to 1 ounce sweet almond oil:
Morning:
3 drops rosemary
2 drops lemon
2 drops lime

Evening:
5 drops bergamot
3 drops cypress
2 drops geranium

Hand and Footbaths
Fill a large bowl with hot water and add 3-4 drops of oil.
Circulation to our extremities is affected by tension and stress, among other things, and the warmth of the water itself helps the blood vessels to dilate. This can be very helpful in treating conditions such as tension headaches and migraines, when the blood vessels in the head are frequently engorged with blood.

Circulation
For poor circulation and tense, cold extremities:
2 drops lavender
2 drops marjoram

Aching Muscles
For tension and stiffness
2 drops rosemary
2 drops pine

Excess Heat
For hot, aching feet or hands
2 drops peppermint
2 drops lemon