Ways to Utilize Essential Oils - Aromatherapy for Skin and Body

Many people are looking for a natural alternative way to heal the body from illness or from a health condition. Aromatherapy is ideal because it is non invasive and overtime may work to the source of the problem. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are oils that has been extracted from herbs, flowers or tree barks using steam distillation, resulting in pure oils that is highly concentrated. If used correctly, the application of these essential oils can benefit the skin and body. Each has its certain characteristics that can have an effect on a particular condition.

How can we use essential oils? The term "aromatherapy" refers to the use of the vapor of the oils that we inhale. However, there are many uses of these oils to enhance their benefits. Some good method to get the most out of aromatherapy on the body are:

Bathing

One of the easiest way and the most enjoyable in using essential oils are when you take your baths! Simply add 5-6 drops each of your favorite essential oils to your warm bath water. Good oils to try for relaxation are Lavender, Chamomile, Mandarin, and Bergamot. It is a good idea to add 2-3 different kinds of oils as they will enhance each other's properties.

Massage

One of the most widely used method of aromatherapy, massage can benefit the body in two ways, through increasing blood circulation and by inhaling the scents of the oil. By increasing blood circulation, massage can neutralize toxins and release energy trapped in stiff muscles. Inhaling the aroma of the oils can stimulate the senses resulting in relaxation.

The absorption of essential oils through massage is relatively high; therefore, it has to be mixed with a carrier oil which also makes it more spreadable. Ideal carrier oils for massages are light botanical oils such as Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Grapeseed oil or a mixture. Mix 10 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of carrier oil. Ideal oils for massages are Marjoram, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Lavender.

Compress

Warm or Cold Compress are used to relieve swelling, pain, or to reduce fever. Adding essential oils in these compress will help accelerate healing.

Warm Compress

Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a large bowl of warm water. Soak a small towel in the water, then wring it out and place it on the problem area of the body. Let it sit for 1-2 hours, occasionally re-soaking the towel. Preferred oils to reduce pain and inflammation are Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage and Bergamot.

Cold Compress

Add 2-3 drops of essential oils to a large bowl filled with water and 6 ice cubes. Soak a hand towel in the water, wring it out and place it on the sore area. Cold compresses are ideal for burns, blisters or sores on foot, muscle pain and headache. Good oils to try are Sweet Birch, Marjoram, Lavender and Clary Sage.

Steaming

Used frequently by spas in facials, steaming does wonder for face because it opens up the pores to ease the absorption and clears up impurities. It can be done easily at home as well. Simply fill the wash basin with steaming hot water, and add 2-3 drops of of essential oils. Inhale the vapor for about 5 minutes or so before rinsing it off with warm water. Rose and Palmarosa are good for mature skin, while citrus oils are suitable for oily skin. Chamomile is calming for sensitive skin.

Edmund Wang is the owner of Cranberry Lane, the source of soap making supplies, herbs, essential oils and natural body care ingredients. Visit http://www.cranberrylane.com for recipes, ideas and to learn how to make your own natural skin care and hair care for you and your family.

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