Aromatherapy Tips

Ylang Ylang
The gentle, sweet scent of ylang-ylang can help calm nerves and raise spirits. Add the following blend to an aromatherapy lamp or diffuser to put you in a relaxed frame of mind; Three drops Ylang-Ylang, 2 drops Orange and 2 drops Patchouli oil.

Ylang Ylang Chocolates
Essential oils can be infused into chocolates or any other sweets by placing the loose chocolates in a box then adding a piece of absorbent paper to which you have placed a drop of Ylang Ylang. Cover and let sit until absorbed, a few days should do it. Try other oils like Orange or Mandarin for a different twist.

Here's another oil to use for colds and flu.
Lemon Myrtle
Botanical name Backhousia citriodora
A wonderful,uplifting Lemony scent. Antibacterial,antiseptic,germicidal. Compared to Tea Tree, it appears to be a stronger germ killer. Similar to Eucalyptus as a preventitive for respiratory ills. Try using in a diffuser or aroma lamp to keep colds, coughs and sinus problems at minimum. Has a high (95%) citral content making it a powerful antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal oil. Not recommended for use on
the skin as it can be irritating to sensitive skin.
A uplifting yet soothing oil.

Winter Protection
Mix 20 drops of Sandalwood in 3 oz. of base oil. Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Safflower oils are some to try. This blend is said to strengthen the immune system against colds and flu. Use as a massage oil. Massage feet before bed put on socks and go to sleep.

New Year's Baby Bath
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
1/4 cup whole dry buttermilk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 drop orange oil (optional, but really nice)
Mix together all the ingredients and pour into a clean container or resealable plastic bag. To use: Pour 1/4 cup of the bath powder into a full tub or 1 tablespoon into a small baby bathtub. Makes 4 oz, enough for 2 baths. This gently milk bath will leave your baby's tender skin soft and silky. Milk is rich in fat and lactic acid, and both help soften and hydrate skin.
Prepare an extra portion of this treatment for yourself because people of all ages can benefit from this rich relaxing natural bath. You may even want to package this. Use pretty wrapping paper and fill each envelope with 1/4 cup of bath powder. Label the outside with the contents and a short, sweet note.

Lemon
For colds, flu or other viral infections, take a warm shower and follow it with a gentle whole-body lemon-oil treatment before going to bed. Combine one cup of sunflower oil and 20 - 30 drops of lemon oil and rub this mixture evenly over your skin. Wrap yourself up well in towels or blankets and go to bed. During the night the oil will be absorbed by the skin's pores and will deploy its antiseptic properties.

Fever
Eucalyptus can effectively bring down a fever. Add 6 drops to a bowl of tepid water. Mix. Dampen several clothes in the water, wring out and apply to wrists, feet and forehead. Wipe down the rest of the body with one of the cloths.

Angelic Aromatherapy
Angelica
Botanical name Angelica archangelica
Named after the angels associated with the plant in legend. To be used by those who feel uncertain or spirtually neclected and need to call upon their personal angels. For strengthening the mind and spirit. Helpful for anxiety, hoplesness, indecisiveness. Stimulates the immune system.

Cleaning Floors
For those of you with hardwood floors.
Add 1 drop of Orange, Lemon or Bergamot to your Murphy's Oil Soap and water. Mop as usual.

Clean wooden chopping blocks by adding 5 drops of essential oils to 1/4 cup of hot water. Pour this mixture over the board after you have cleaned it. Leave it to air dry. May also be used on plastic boards.

Morning Skin Treatment
Step 3 Moisturizing
One of the best moisturizers is Jojoba.
It protects and helps to nourish the skin. Take a few drops and add 1 drop of your favorite essential oil. Smooth over face. Try Lavender to help with cell regeneration. Neroli to strengthen broken capillaries. Sandalwood to nourish and moisturize.

Talcum Powder
Any unscented talcum powder can be scented with essential oils. Get creative and add flowers petals or Lavender buds. Simply add 1 -2 drops of essential oils to a jar of talcum powder. Cover and shake well.

Bath Scrub
A Body Scrub or Salt Scrub can contain a variety of ingredients. Here is
one with Honey as a base.
Pour some Honey into your hand and add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. I like Grapefruit, it's really refreshing. Add Sea salt. You may want to mix this up in a bowl as it gets messy. Rub over your body to remove dry, flaky skin. Repeat as needed to cover entire body. Follow with a warm shower then a cool shower. Follow with your favorite body lotion.

Rose
As we approach Valentines Day we think of Rose, the Queen of Flowers.
Pamper yourself with a Rose Milk bath. You may use powdered milk or whole milk even cream will do. Add about 2 drops of Rose, a little really does go a long way. Relax and let your mind just drift.

-Hand Washables
Perfume Your Lingerie
When hand washing your special lingerie try adding 1 drop of your favorite essential oil to the final rinse water . Avoid dark and heavy oils like Patchouli or any other oils that will stain fabric.

Geranium
Ever wonder why they say Geranium is balancing? Geranium stimulates the adrenal cortex and the hormones secreted by this area are basically regulators, therefore Geranium helps to regulate hormonal imbalances.

Headaches
To quickly alleviate a headache that's caused by tension or stress , apply two drops of Cardamom oil and one drop of Lavender oil to a handkerchief,fold it in half to prevent direct skin contact and inhale deeply once or twice.

In the February 2002 issue of Ladies Home Journal they offer a few tips on using aromatherapy around the home. Ideas are from Aromatherapy expert Rosie Warda. (pg 124)
~Mix a tsp of orange eo in five gallons of water to remove glue, dirt and oil from floors, counters and appliances. Don't use on wood or delicate surfaces.
~Basil, peppermint, citronella and lemongrass bother pests. Stay bug-free by adding 10 drops of one of the above to a heated diffuster such as an aroma lamp.
~Apply just a drop of eo to a cotton ball and place in shoes overnight. Try lemon (to stimulate), geranium (for balance) or cedarwood (to relieve stress).

Instant Headache Relief
Basil 1 drop
Peppermint 1 drop
Apply drops neat to side of the head and massage into the temples.

Meditation/Rosewood
Rosewood is another essential oil to diffuse during meditation. Calming yet does not promote drowsiness. A relaxing oil, it calms the mind as it stabilizes the central nervous system.

Using A Compress
Some of you may know this but it's good to be reminded. This is a great way to relieve muscular pain and sprains.
Cold Compress
For recent injuries such as sprains, bruises, swellings, inflammation and headache.
Warm Compress
For old injuries, muscular pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, boils and abcesses.
Add about 6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of water, either warm or cold as needed. Use a washcloth or other piece of cotton fabric.Wring out the excess water, place on area to be treated.

Bay Laurel
Use Bay laurel (laurus nobilis) as a preventative against colds and flu.
Suggested use is once per week. It is gentle but strengthening. Rubbing a few drops on swollen lymph nodes will produce an immediate effect. Dilute in a carrier oil before use.
P.S. A leaf in your dry goodies ie...sugar,flour will keep out boll weevils (small worms) too.

Blending
Essential oils are classified into Top, Middle and Base notes. A good blend will balance all three of these catagories. For beginners do not blend more than 3 or 4 oils at a time.