Aromatherapy Guides

Aromatherapy in the bedroom

2008-07-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

The bedroom is where you are likely to spend seven to eight hours out of every twenty four. You may think the ambience of your bedroom is not that important as you are asleep in there most of the time but that is so far from the truth! The quality of your sleep plays a large part in your general well being. Some people seem to have the ability to sleep almost anywhere at any time (and I must confess I am one of these!) but for most of us the environment needs to be right for really deep and refreshing sleep. Keeping your bedrooms clear of clutter is important for encouraging restful sleep as it is thought to smooth the flow of “chi” and create a harmonious atmosphere. Make sure you hang up your clothes and put your shoes away at the end of the day.

If you are having problems sleeping use essential oils in a nice, warm bath before you go to bed or use them in a burner. Remember though that even soothing aromas can stop you from sleeping if they are too strong – including Lavender! You can give your bed linen a lovely fragrance by adding essential oils to your laundry routine. Add 2 drops of Lavender to water in a plant spray and spray your pillowcases before ironing – remember to shake the mixture well before each use. Do be aware when using the oilier, thicker and more deeply coloured oils with any fabric they may stain and are also more difficult to wash out.

Dream oils
Clary Sage, Vertivert and Helichrysum essential oils all have a reputation for bringing on vivid dreams and helping you to recall dreams. This may not help you get a good night’s sleep but some people like to use their dreams to access what is going on in their subconscious. However, if you suffer from bad dreams or nightmares avoid these oils and use Roman Chamomile instead. This oil is frequently used for relieving nightmares and can be use in a warm bath or on a cotton wool ball tucked under your pillow.

A place for peace
You may really value your bedroom as a place to be alone in or to chill out in especially if you share your home with others. Choose oils which help you to wind down – use quiet time in your room to help rebalance your energy and to help release negativity. Your state of mind when you go to bed has an effect on the quality of sleep and your mood when you wake up. If you are finding life difficult remind yourself of what you have achieved during the day (no matter how small it may seem) and let go of any difficulties you have faced. This will help you make a fresh start the following day.

Room for romance A top tip from reiki healing spain: Essential oils such as Jasmine, Neroli and Sandalwood have been used as aphrodisiacs for many years but there are many others you can use. Put them in a burner or buy fragranced candles.

Aromatherapy in the kitchen

2008-07-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Of all the rooms in our homes, the kitchen is the one where we are most aware of the vast range of changing smells. For better or for worse the smells coming from the kitchen can penetrate the whole house. The advantages of using essential oils in the kitchen are that many of them are deodorants and powerful disinfectants. Essential oils do not simply mask bad odours, they actually destroy the bacteria which create them and cause health hazards. Years ago, laboratory tests proved that many essential oils are more powerful than the chemical antiseptic and disinfectant, Phenol.

Essential oils good for the kitchen
The best smells for the kitchen are either fresh and clean or warm and spicy.

Sweet Orange
This has an uplifting effect on the mind and emotions. As well as soothing the nerves it is very good for stimulating digestion so it is particularly suited to the kitchen.

Peppermint
Another oil which has a close affinity with the digestive system. It is often recommended for colic, nausea or general digestive problems. Its piercing fragrance is an effective deterrent to ants, mosquitoes and other insects.

Cinnamon
This oil is not used often in general aromatherapy due to its irritant skin effects but it is a lovely oil to use for scenting a room. It blends really well with the citrus oils.

Clove
Another oil to use with care as it is a skin irritant but like cinnamon it smells nice blended with citrus oils and it is also a powerful antiseptic.

An effective and nice smelling blend for the kitchen which you could use in a plant spray is sweet orange, cinnamon and clove. Add 2 drops of each to 500ml water, shake well each time you use and keep away from polished surfaces. It will help to clear cooking smells, disinfect and energize the air.

Fragrant Laundry
When hand washing your clothes add a couple of drops of Lavender or Rosemary essential oil to the rinsing water and mix well before immersing the clothes.

Essential oils can be used when ironing too – just add them to a plant spray and mist the clothes beforehand. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil to 500ml water and remember to shake well before using.

It is best not to add essential oils to a steam iron though as they may leave a residue and stain the clothes.

When using essential oils with fabrics it is best to avoid the “oily”, deeply coloured oils such as Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood or Patchouli. It is better to use oils such as Lavender, Rosemary, Geranium or one of the citrus oils.

Insect deterrents
If ants are a problem try the following:
Put down Peppermint oil where they appear. If the point of entry is a painted surface, put the Peppermint on a cotton wool ball and once dry, tuck it into the appropriate corner. Refresh the cotton wool every 3 to 4 days depending on the persistence of the ants

A top tip from holistic therapy costa blanca: Flies don’t like the fragrance of Lavender and Peppermint. Hang something up in the kitchen and scent it with both these oils. Again, refresh regularly

Aromatherapy in the bathroom

2008-07-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Essential oils have two very different uses in the bathroom – you can use them to work on germs or use them to soothe stress whilst you bathe. The way in which we use fragrance in the bathroom needs to reflect these changing functions and our moods. In practical terms, essential oils can play a valuable role in ensuring hygiene in the bathroom if we add them to water and use it to clean the fixtures and fittings. Some of the most suitable oils are the same as those you can use in the kitchen e.g. Eucalyptus or Rosemary but also try Lavender, Lemon or Pine. These oils smell nice and clean and are also good anti bacterials.

Ways to fragrance the bathroom

It’s obviously not a good idea to use electric fragrancers or diffusers in the bathroom for safety reasons. However, you can use aromatherapy soaps, dried flowers, decorative glass stones, bowls of pebbles etc mixed together and introduce fragrance by tucking a cotton wool ball sprinkled with essential oil in the bottom of the dish. Candles are instantly effective for creating a mood of relaxation but do be careful when placing them near shower curtains or other inflammable fittings.

Useful tips for adding fragrance the bathroom

Scented toilet paper
Put a few drops of any of the recommended oils (listed at the end of this article) on the inner cardboard ring of the toilet tissue roll on a regular basis.

Laundry basket freshener
Help to keep your laundry smelling sweet by hanging a small fragrant bag just inside the laundry basket. Fill this with cotton wool balls sprinkled with the essential oil of your choice.

Fragrant towels
Add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine or, if washing by hand, add 2 drops to the final rinse water. Alternatively, when storing your towels put a hanky or cotton wool ball sprinkled with 2 to 3 drops of essential oil between the towels. Be very careful though if your towels are a very pale colour and avoid the “dark” coloured oils!

Germ-free nail brushes
Firstly, use an old toothbrush to get rid of the dirt between the bristles. Rinse under cold, running water and then leave the brush to soak for about an hour in 500ml water to which you have added 6 drops of Tea Tree essential oil.

Soaking in the bath
There is nothing more relaxing than soaking in a nice, hot bath – ok maybe not in the Spanish summer! However, it is an ideal way to get rid of the day’s tensions and for us to unwind…. You must remember though to add the essential oils after you have run the water otherwise they will evaporate! If you like bubbles in your bath, add these after you have spent at least 15 minutes in the bath with just the water and essential oils.

Oils good for the bathroom A top tip from holistic therapy in spain. Germ fighters: Eucalyptus, Lemon, Pine, Lemongrass, Rosemary.

Fresh smells: Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Pine, Rosemary.
Seductive fragrances: Geranium, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.

Aromatherapy in the lounge

2008-07-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

For many of us our lounge has to take on the roles of sitting room, dining room, family room or entertaining room. You can use essential oils to help with these different uses.

Fragrant dining

If you can, take the time to make mealtimes a pleasant and relaxed experience. Even if you eat on your own it is still nice to set the table in a decorative manner. If you don’t have fresh flowers, you can lightly spray artificial ones with the fragrance of your choice.

Sitting room sachets

For a subtle fragrance in the room, make up a number of small pot pourri sachets to tuck into odd corners around the sitting area. You will get the best effect if the sachets are all the same scent and you enhance the pot pourri with several drops of a matching essential oil. You could tuck the sachets into cushions or attach them to curtain hems or table drapes.

Blends for the lounge

These blends can be added to diffusers, mixed into water for misting or added neat to an unlit candle.

Welcome home
1 drop each of Cedar wood & Jasmine, 2 drops of Bergamot & 2 drops of Geranium

Spring clean
1 drop Cinnamon Leaf, 2 drops Lavender, 1 drop Peppermint & 2 drops of Lime

Gentle relaxation
2 drops each of Lavender, Mandarin and Lemon

Get in the mood for food with holistic therapy costa blanca.
2 drops each of Grapefruit & Sweet Orange, 1 drop each of Clove & Basil

Aromatherapy – Helping your head, hands and feet

2008-07-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

Eyes

Essential oils should never be used on the eyes or allowed to come into contact with them even when diluted. If essential oils accidentally come into contact with your eye, use a pure vegetable oil such as olive or sunflower to flush it out. DO NOT USE WATER – this will make the situation worse. If the stinging is very severe or prolonged don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or go to casualty.

Nose

The nose is involved in the two most important processes by which essential oils interact with the body and the mind. 1) The nose forms the first part of the respiratory system through which essential oils taken in with the breath reach the blood stream, 2) In the upper part of the nose are the olfactory nerves which send messages about smells to the brain.

Ears

Essential oils can be used at the first sign of earache – they can help to relive the pain and to combat infection but if there is no improvement within 24 hours it is best to consult your doctor. Hot compresses of Chamomile and/or Lavender will soothe pain and reduce the risk of middle ear infections spreading to the inner ear. You can also try gentle massage all around the ear using the same oils. There are lots of acupoints around the ears – they are a very sensitive area!

Hands

We all know how tough life can be on our hands. Look at all the stars who had had facial surgery, their hands give away their age! Sorry Madonna but its true!! The skin on our hands can become dry, rough, cracked or sore from contact with water, detergents and other chemicals that we come into contact with at home or at work. The wind and cold can dry out your hands; sweaty hands in the summer can irritate certain skin conditions. However, there are healing and anti septic essential oils which can help e.g. Lavender, Lemon, Benzoin and Calendula. Benzoin is very effective at healing cracked skin. The two great anti allergy essential oils are Chamomile and Melissa. Either of these may help to relieve eczema or dermatitis on the hands. I would recommend using them in a cream rather than an oil. You would be amazed at how tense most people’s hands and fingers are when they come for a massage. There are many reflex points and acupoints on the hands and people are always pleasantly surprised at how good a hand massage can feel.

Feet

Our feet are a very important area with regards to aromatherapy. This is due in part to the fact that there are many reflex points on the feet which affect other areas of the body and also because the quickest way for essential oils to penetrate the blood stream is via the feet. You can either massage the feet with oils or use them in footbaths. I always recommend to my clients a blend of Lavender, Peppermint and Tea Tree to keep their feet healthy and sweet smelling!
Massage of the feet is very important in terms of balancing the client and their flow of energy. holistic therapy in spain therapists finish their treatments by holding the clients feet to help “ground” them.

Aromatherapy and Sport

2008-07-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Essential oils can help to treat sports injuries, relieve pain and help to keep the muscles toned. They help to improve the circulation and can protect you from other people’s germs in the changing room. Just as importantly, they can help in the mental area as well – improving concentration and giving you a positive attitude. It is amazing that something as gentle as essential oils can be assertive but they can!

Jogging

It is important when starting out not to over exert yourself because pounding the pavements or roads puts a lot of strain on the muscles, ankle bones and in particular the lower back. The following blend is great for the lungs and respiratory system in general and for the muscles and the skeletal frame. Before you go running, rub the oil over your feet, ankles, calves, thighs, buttocks, lower back and arms. You would use 10 drops each of Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Thyme diluted in 30ml vegetable oil. The Thyme will help to prevent sprains.

Joggers Nipple

Geranium oil provides an excellent remedy for “jogger’s nipple” (a condition caused by the action of material rubbing on the nipple for long periods of time) This condition can be extremely painful. Add 5 drops of Geranium oil to a teaspoon of vegetable oil and rub all over the area each day – particularly before and after your jogging or running.

Over exercised muscles

Over exercised muscles can cause pain and sometimes the inability to move without trembling as the muscles struggle to contract. Rest is the best remedy, followed by hot baths and massage. Add 3 drops of Marjoram and 2 drops of Lemon to the bath and soak for as long as possible. Afterwards, massage with the following blend – 5 drops of Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Ginger diluted in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

AROMATIP
The natural antibiotic and antiseptic qualities of Lavender make it a highly effective wash for cuts and grazes on you or your pet and also for tables, tiles and fridges.

Oil Safety

Peppermint – possible skin sensitisation, do not use if you are taking homeopathic remedies and do not store the oil near them. It can prevent them from working! Thyme – use in moderation and in low dilution, avoid during pregnancy. holistic therapy costa blanca the choice of Aromatherapy oils is huge. Eucalyptus – this oil should not be used on young children, apply in dilution only, it can irritate the skin Lemon – do not use on skin before sunbathing, may cause irritation, use in moderation Rosemary - do not use if you suffer from epilepsy or are pregnant Geranium – can cause dermatitis in people with highly sensitive skin

Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

2008-07-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

There are some essential oils you can use during pregnancy and some you should avoid. Whichever oils you use make sure you always use half the usual quantity or less during pregnancy. If in any doubt, always consult a qualified aromatherapist.

Oils to avoid

Basil, Clove, Cinnamon, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh and Thyme
Oils to avoid during the first 4 months
Fennel, Rose, Peppermint, Atlas Cedarwood, Rosemary

Simple Aromatherapeutic Treatments

Using oils in the bath is very relaxing especially towards the end of the pregnancy. Add 4 drops of Lavender or Geranium or Jasmine to a warm bath and soak in the aromatic smells. For tired muscles, use equal amounts of Lavender and Chamomile.

Gentle massage can help with a variety of problems such as back pain, fatigue, anxiety. Keep the concentration of the blend low eg 10 drops of essential oils in 50 ml of carrier oil. Use mild oils such as Lavender, Neroli or Chamomile.

Cooling compresses of Lavender, Chamomile or Rose water can be very refreshing during the latter stages of pregnancy.

Post natal depression or any anxiety can be helped by using oils such as Bergamot, Lavender or Mandarin in burners.

For morning sickness, a bowl of boiling water with 4 to 6 drops of Spearmint oil added placed on the floor by your bed overnight will help to calm your stomach. The aroma will waft up as you are sleeping – do this every night until the morning sickness subsides. As an alternative, put 1 drops of Spearmint on your pillow (be careful if your bed linen is a pale colour)

Oil Safety

Geranium / Chamomile – can cause dermatitis in some people (use fewer drops if you have sensitive skin) Tea Tree – possible sensitisation in some people Bergamot or Mandarin – do not use on skin before sunbathing, may cause irritation, use in moderation. holistic therapy in spain the choice of Aromatherapy oils is huge.

Aromatherapy and First Aid

2008-07-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

Burns
Burns are classified into three degrees of severity: superficial (redness and swelling); Intermediate (swelling and blistering); Deep (numbness and charring) They can be caused by dry heat or moist heat (scalds) and are amongst the most common house hold injuries. Burns can also be caused by contact with chemicals, radiation or electricity.

Simple Aromatherapeutic Treatments
Immediately hold the affected area under a cold tap for at least 10 minutes, then apply neat Lavender or Tea Tree to the burn. Reapply at least 3 times a day until the skin has healed.
For larger areas, especially if there is inflammation, apply an ice compress. Gently apply a lotion made from 8 to 10 drops each of Lavender and German Chamomile in a 50ml bottle of distilled water or Lavender water, shaken well. Shake the bottle before you use it every time.
Cover with a sterile gauze treated with a few drops of Lavender, Tea Tree or German Chamomile. Replace the dressing every few hours. Do not use adhesive plasters.

Cuts/Wounds
Small cuts, grazes and scratches are some of the most common injuries. If glass, rust, splinters or dirt are involved, special care should be taken to avoid secondary infection.

Simple Aromatherapeutic Treatments
Firstly, cleanse the area with water, removing any dirt or fragments. Apply a few drops of neat Lavender or Chamomile. Apply 2 or 3 times a day.

Cover larger injuries with a sterile gauze semi-saturated with Lavender or Tea Tree oil. If the wound is slow to heal or weeping, include 2 or 3 drops of Myrhh.

Lavender and Tea Tree are the best first aid remedies to have in your cupboard due to their excellent anti septic and wound healing properties. They do not sting the exposed raw skin even when applied neat and they encourage a rich flow of blood to the damaged area. They also prevent scarring. Tea Tree is especially effective for septic conditions and dirty wounds.

Oil Safety
Chamomile – can cause dermatitis in some people (use fewer drops if you have sensitive skin) Tea Tree – possible sensitisation in some people Myrrh – do not use during pregnancy, do not use in high concentrations

AROMATIP At holistic therapy costa blanca the choice of Aromatherapy oils is huge, and Calendula cream or oil helps skin to heal and prevents scarring.

Using Aromatherapy Oils on Animals

2008-07-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Essential oils have been used for hundreds of years for many different ailments but we usually associate using them to help people. Well, our pets can benefit from these oils also…..if they help a particular condition in a person then the chances are they can help an animal with the same condition!

Dogs

Arthritis is as painful to dogs as it is to humans so be careful when treating them. Having said that, most dogs love to be massaged so they will benefit and enjoy the following treatment:
Blend 4 drops of Rosemary, 2 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of Ginger with 30ml vegetable oil then start massaging your dog. Start at the back, massage into the muscles in rhythmic movements working inwards from the haunches. Cover the whole of the legs and also the vertebrae. Don’t worry too much about the mess, your dog will lick much of the oil off but by then the correct amount of essential oil will have penetrated the skin and got into the affected tissue and bone. By the dog licking the oil it will also reach the digestive system.

Dogs often suffer from ear wax which can become smelly. The best way to remove the wax and to disinfect the ear is by using Lavender oil. Dilute 3 drops of Lavender in one teaspoon of Witch Hazel and insert at least 4 drops into each ear. (If you don’t have a dropper, you can use a soaked piece of cotton wool). Gently massage the whole ear and repeat this every day to soften the wax. It can then be removed with cotton wool.

If your dog has bad breath that is not caused by teeth or gums problems, he or she may have a digestive problem. Peppermint oil is the one to use here as it is an aid to digestion, an intestinal cleanser and a mouth freshener! Rub a drop of neat Peppermint oil in a line from beneath the ears and into the shoulders.

Cats

Cats often get abscesses, usually as a result of a night on the tiles! To treat this condition, put neat Tea Tree oil on to the area to bring it to a head. As the cat licks the fur, he or she will ingest the oil which will also help to clear the abscess up. After it has burst and all the poison has been discharged, apply Lavender oil to speed up the healing process.

If your cat has arthritis, you can treat it in the same way as you would for a dog.

AROMATIP
Buy a soft material collar and soak it in the following mixture to make an effective but natural flea collar: Mix 1 drop Cedarwood, 1 drop Lavender, 1 drop Citronella, 1 drop Thyme and half teaspoon alcohol with 4 garlic capsules that have been broken open. Also, for reiki healing spain the choice of Aromatherapy oils is huge. Leave collar to dry before putting it on your pet. It should be effective for about a month.