Essential Oils – A Sensory
Experience
I began to learn about essential oils when I was at college
and stressed out about my finals. I had a friend who was an aromatherapist
and she made up a bath oil of Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood and Lavender
for me to use. I began adding a few drops to my bath. The smell
was gorgeous and the effect of the oils felt very natural, very
calming.
I still use this mixture in the bath, diluted with a carrier oil,
and have used some of the other more popular oils too as the need
has arisen.
Aniseed
Aniseed oil is distilled from a natural fruit and is often used
to aid digestion and calm coughing. Mixes well with peppermint for
digestion or can be taken with honey.
Basil
Basil oil is fresh and spicy and can be used to clear the mind and
the body and helps with tiredness.
Bay
Bay oil can be used as an aftershave, with citrus undertones, or
as a hair lotion – one for the boys?
Cedarwood
This oil comes from the red cedar tree and can be mixed with Ylang
Ylang and Lavender for bathing, or as massage oil, mixed with a
carrier.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has a lovely, clearing smell and can also be used
as massage oil when mixed with a carrier.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit oil is sweet and refreshing and is made from the zest
of the fruit. Can be used as a massage oil, or an astringent for
oily skin.
Lavender
Lavender is one of my all-time favourite oils and is very versatile.
Not only an excellent bath oil it can also be used as a steam inhaler,
an antiseptic and an insect repellent.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass oil is extracted from a variety of Asian grasses and
can be mixed with Rose or Geranium to make refreshing bath oil.
Also used to treat skin complains like acne and open pores.
Patchouli
Patchouli oil is made from the dried leaves of Pogostemon Patchouli
and has a very powerful aroma. Blends well with other oils and is
used in perfume, massage oil and bath oils and is also said to be
an aphrodisiac.
Rosemary
Rosemary oil is distilled from the rosemary plant and is said to
help scalp problems and give hair a shine, when added to shampoo.
Can also be used as an inhalation, mixed with Lavender.
Sandlewood
Sandlewood oil is very earthy and spicy and comes from East India.
It is used in perfumes and blends well with Ylang Ylang and Orange
oil in the bath.
Vetivert
Vetivert oil is distilled from Indian grass (Khus Khus) and is used
in perfume, often to fix other scents and blends well with rose,
Patchouli and Cedar.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang is distilled from flowers and has a beautiful sweet
perfume. It is used in perfumes, bath oils and shampoo and is said
to have a calming effect on the nerves.
I have learned to mix a few basic oils, but still buy specially
prepared oils, which you can find in many beauty stores and health
stores. There are a few precautions to take if you are learning
to mix your own essential oils:
- They are not to be used if you are pregnant, have epilepsy
or high blood pressure.
- They are not to be taken internally, or undiluted.Store in
a cool, dark space and away from children
- Avoid contact with the eyes
- I hope you enjoy leaning about essential oils and enjoy their
benefits.
Freya Leigh
© Hypno4Health 2008
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