Light & Shadows of Chalandor

Fall Essential Oils

Fall, like Spring, is a time of extreme change for many living in
non-temperate areas. The air becomes drier or in some circumstances Wetter
and cooler. These and other changes can foster the dreaded Cold or flu,
which would normally be fought off by your body. Emotional stress tends to
be stronger in the Fall as we tend more Torward reflection. To assist in
staying healthy, there are a number Of things you can do using essential
oils in your environments.

The air becomes drier in the Fall. The membranes in your nose can become dry
and non-effective. This lack of proper filtering of air can result in germs
and bacterial agents gaining access into your Body and causing problems.
Thus, creating a moist environment in your Home or work space is vital. Many
people today use a central Ventilation system which includes humidification.
Since mold, Bacteria and other foreign toxins can rapidly grow in stagnant
water, Be sure to have your system properly serviced and ask if it is
Suitable to add essential oils to the water being used.

Some system are not equip to allow for this. This is also true for The
electric humidification models being sold on the market. Read the Packaging
carefully to see if essential additions are allowable. If You find the model
you have does not allow for aromatherapeutic Additions, you can use a pot of
water on the stove (with essential Oil added) or a separate essential oil
diffuser. As always remember Safety and do not leave the stove unattended.
Some also find placing Water with essential oils in front of a fire place or
on a radiator To also work very well. The moisture plus the addition of the
Essential oil will help your body to fend off various types of Infections.
Changing the water frequently is, however still needed.

Key essential oils to use include Lavender and Tea Tree. These help The
immune system in the body to function normally and in themselves Kill germs,
bacteria, mold, etc. Be sure to buy pure essential oils
And use enough when attempting to purify the air.

Fall can also be an emotionally uncertain time for people as well. While the
leaves may be a time of great beauty, the shorter days can Lead to sadness
and light depression commonly known as "the blues". Essential oils,
particularly Lavender, have uplifting and mood Balancing qualities that may
help one on both a mental and physical Level. You may want to consider these
other essential oils for your Fall Medicine Chest:

Bergamont (Citrus bergamia) : Bergamot oil is a powerful antiseptic. In
appropriate dilution, it has proven its use in the treatment of Many
troublesome skin complaints, such as eczema, some of which can Be reluctant
to respond to other forms of treatment. Stress-related Complaints such as
headaches and irritability will often respond well To a massage with oil of
bergamot in the blend. The effect of the oil
Is vitalizing and uplifting, soothing tension away without any Sedative
effect. Bergamot eases problem gastrointestinal spasm and Flatulence and
gentle abdominal massage can bring relief from Constipation and colic. The
oil is also detoxifying and is thought to Help in the treatment of cellulite
when used in massage. In addition To this, when used for bathing, berga-mot
oil can soothe inflammation And can help alleviate vaginal itching and the
symptoms of cystitis. In inhalation or massage, it can be used in the
treatment of Respiratory infections such as sore throats and bronchitis.
Bergamot Can also be used in a mouthwash to deodorize bad breath and fight
Mouth and throat infections, or on the hair to control dandruff.
Suitable methods of use Bathing, hair care, inhalation, massage, Mouthwash,
skin care, vaporizer/diffuser.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) : Cedarwood oil has a rich, honey color And a
warm, woody, sweet smell that appeals to both sexes. The oil is Extracted
from wood - sawdust, chips and shavings - by the process of Steam
distillation. Aromatherapists use Cedarwood oil for the Treatment of
respiratory ailments. It has antiseptic properties, and Is effective against
coughs, bronchitis and catarrh. Its use in skin And hair care is well
recognized, and it can be very beneficial in The treatment of dandruff,
eczema and acne. As an ingredient in a Blend to perfume a room, cedarwood
oil is warm and pleasant. The oil Is particularly useful in treating stress
and tension.

Cinnamon (Cinnamoma Cassicia): There are two different oils extracted From
the tree. Cinnamon-leaf oil has some use in aromatherapy, but Cinnamon-bark
oil is a strong irritant, high in toxicity and should Not be used.
Cinnamon-leaf oil is extracted from the leaves and young Twigs of the tree
by steam distillation. Commercially, it is used in The food and drinks
industry in some sweets and carbonated drinks, And in the pharmaceutical
industry it is used in cough medications and dental preparations.
Aromatherapists can use cinnamon-leaf oil in massage to relieve rheumatism,
and it can also be beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders. It is
a stimulant and is used to treat circulatory problems. It can also be of
benefit to those who are suffering from nervous exhaustion. In Traditional
Chinese Medicine, Cinnamon is used to warm the interior as well as used for
exterior conditions such as a common cold or flu.

Clove (Eugenia aromatica): This essential oil is extracted from the buds of
the tree. The scent of the oil is hot-spicy, sweet, penetrating. Clove is a
tropical evergreen tree that grows to a height of about 40-70 feet and has
aromatic dark green leathery leaves and bright pink buds that bloom into
yellow flowers, followed
by purple berries.

Heating the oil creates vapors which open sinuses and breathing passages.
This oil is uplifting, an aphrodisiac and reviving, is a mental stimulant,
improves mental clarity and memory; improves digestion; reduces pain by
numbing the area; a disinfectant and repels insects. Clove bud oil can
irritate the skin and should either be avoided or used with extra care by
people who have sensitive skin. Use small amounts.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) : Essential oil of patchouli is obtained by
the process of steam distillation from the leaves of the plant which are
previously dried and fermented. The oil is thick and viscous and is
orange-amber in color. It has a distinctively sweet and earthy smell that is
long-lasting and unlike other essential oils, actually improves with age.
Patchouli oil is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and can be used in skin
care to treat acne, oily skin and open pores as well as minor sores that are
weeping and reluctant to heal. It is also beneficial in the treatment of
athlete's foot, chapped and paintful skin and eczema. Patchouli is
particularly beneficial to aging skin and will also help prevent scars and
stretchmarks. When used in a massage blend, particularly in abdominal
massage, or alternatively in a warm compress, patchouli can
relieve constipation and combat flatulence. Patchouli can also be used to
strengthen the spirits when exhaustion has set in and will help restore a
sense of calm and determination in stressful times. The oil also has
aphrodisiac properties and can benefit in particular Those whose desire or
sexual performance has been adversely affected by stress and fatigue.
Patchouli oil can also be used as an insect repellent.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides): Vetiver is a grass, a member of the family
Poaceae (Gramineae) and it is native to southern India, Sri Lanka and
Indonesia. It grows to a height of approximately 6 feet. It has deep, strong
roots and is planted in some countries to protect the soil from erosion.
Therapeutically, Vetiver oil has a profoundly relaxing effect on the nervous
system, relieving tension and stress. It can be used to good effect in the
treatment of insomnia. In India, vetiver oil is Known as the oil of
tranquillity. In baths or in massage, vetiver is beneficial in the treatment
of the symptoms of disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism and a ching,
stiff muscles. It is warming and comforting and will help to relieve the
tension that is often associated with chronic pain. Vetiver oil also
benefits the circulatory system, stimulating and warming, especially when
used in combination with massage. In skin care, the antiseptic and slightly
astringent properties of vetiver can be used to good effect in the treatment
of oily skin that is prone to spots.

A Fall Blend:

•Add 10 drops of Lavender
�?5 drops of ginger
�?2 quarts of water.

Set your stove on extremely low to allow the steam to diffuse into the air.
You can also do the same with a tea pot without a whistle. Remember to
always watch the stove and turn it off when no adults are
present.

Fall Delight:

�?Add 10 drops of Bergamot
�?4 drops of Clove
�?3 drops of Cinnamon
�?add to water in a diffuser.

Light a tea light under the oil to gently diffuse the scent into any room.

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