Posts Tagged ‘Aromatherapy’

Medicinal Monday – Sandalwood Oil (Aromatherapy)

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Sandalwood Oil


Photo by  Cinnamon Vogue

In India, Tibet and China, Sandalwood is used to protect religious carvings in temples. The best quality and most expensive comes from India. These trees are are endangered and protected by the government in one province. The oils from Australia and West India are less effective. True Sandalwood oil is complicated to make and becoming rare. The tree should be 40 years old before the oil can be extracted, and it requires up to 55 pounds of wood chips for 1 quart of oil, then distilled for six months.

Therapeutic Effect:

Sandalwood oil is excellent for treating respiratory and minor urinary tract infections. It also counteracts restlessness, anxiety and depression, and is believed to heighten eroticism. The essential oil, has a sweet, balsamic aroma that also repels insects.

In a diffuser, combine sandalwood oil with rose oil for a calming effect:

  • 5 drops sandalwood
  • 3 drops rose absolute

For skin irritations:
The oil helps heal cuts, rashes and eczema.

  • As a massage oil, mix 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil with 5 drops of sandalwood oil.

To release sexual energy:
In a diffuser combine:

  • 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil
  • 2 drops of sandalwood
  • 2 drops of jasmine absolute
  • 2 drops of rosemary oil.

To comfort the the grief stricken:
As a massage oil.

  • 5 drops of sandalwood oil
  • 3 drops of rose-otto oil
  • 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil

In a relaxing and uplifting bath:

  • Add 3 drops of the oil to your bathwater.
  • Relax in the warm water for at least 30 minutes.

To keep tissues elastic:

  • A massage with sandalwood oil mixed into sweet almond oil can help keep the tissues elastic and prevent stretch marks.
  • Be sure to check with a health care practitioner before using during pregnancy.

External application

  • For bronchitis: Add 3 drops of sandalwood oil to 1 gal. of hot water, place a towel over your head and inhale the vapor deeply through your nose and mouth.
  • For bladder inflammation: Mix 8 drops of Sandalwood oil with 4tbsp. of sweet cream, add to a bathtub half filled with water. Stay in sitz bath for 15 minutes. Be sure to rest for 30 minutes after.
  • For a hair dressing: Mix 2 drops of sandalwood oil with 2 tsp. of sweet almond or jojoba oil, you can also add both jasmine and rosemary oils.

Warning: Most essential oils are made up of alcohols, esters, ketones, hydrocarbons, phenols and acids. Sandalwood oil can be toxic if taken internally and in high doses. It can also cause inflammation of the skin and damage to kidney tissue.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the oil listed above.

Thanks for Stopping by!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Eucalyptus Oil

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus is a genus of the plant family Myrtaceae, and most likely first discovered by the Aborigines, the native inhabitants of Australia. (There are more than 700 species of Eucalyptus) The essential oil is obtained from the branches and leaves. A steam distillation process is used to extract the oil from the tree parts, and some 110 pounds of plant material is required to produce about 2 pounds of eucalyptus oil. The medicinal properties of eucalyptus oil is an effective remedy for skin problems and fever, and has long been called the “fever tree”. Modern herbalists rely on eucalyptus oil to treat colds, fever, respiratory diseases, joint and muscle pain, migraines and bladder problems. The oil has strong germicidal and antibacterial effects.

Photo by pizzodisevo

For Mental Fatigue:
The essential oil stimulates the nervous system and promotes concentration. Combined with lemon oil in a diffuser, it is ideal for mental exhaustion and listlessness.
  • 4 drops eucalyptus oil
  • 2 drops lemon oil
Therapeutic effects:
The principal ingredient in eucalyptus oil is eucalyptol, which has strong germicidal and disinfectant properties.
  • As a diuretic, it lowers blood sugar and helps to relieve cough and fever.
  • As an effective analgesic, it is often used in preparations designed to relieve muscle, nerve and joint pain.
  • On a psychological level, it helps to combat exhaustion and dispels mental sluggishness.
For a sense of well being:
  • Blend a few drops of eucalyptus oil and massage oils for a cooling and stimulating effect on both mind and body. (Apply to pulse points)
To purify the sickroom:
It is an ideal essence to use in a sickbed environment.
  • Five drops of the oil in a diffuser will kill germs in the air and reduce the number of airborne bacteria. (This helps keep germs from spreading)
For wounds and abscesses:
The STRONG germicidal effect can help heal wounds, burns, ulcers and insect bites or stings.
  • Place a few drops of the oil on a dressing or bandage before covering the area with it.
To suppress coughs:
  • A chest compress with eucalyptus and massage oils will help loosen phlegm and improve lung function.
To improve the sauna:
Get the best detoxifying effects of a sauna.
  • Place 3 drops of the oil in a ladle fulL of water and pour over the hot stones.
Applications:

External use:
  • Lower a fever with a eucalyptus calf wrap; Add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1 qt. of lukewarm water, soak linen or cotton cloths in the mixture. Wrap the cloths around your calves and secure with dry cloths. (Calf wraps should be used only when the feet are warm)
  • To get rid of dandruff; Mix 10 drops of eucalyptus oil with your shampoo and massage well into your scalp. (Wait a few minutes before rinsing)
  • To alleviate cold symptoms; Place a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief and deeply inhale.
  • To relieve sinus and chest congestion; Combine 5 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 drop of peppermint oil. Add crushed eucalyptus, peppermint, coltsfoot and comfrey herbs. Place ½ oz. of mixture in a clean sock, knot the end and place inside your pillowcase overnight.
  • For relief from muscular aches and pains; Mix 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil and 2 oz. of sweet almond or grapeseed oil, massage into muscles.
Tips:
Insects dislike the odor of eucalyptus oil.
  • Add a few drops of the oil to massage oil.
  • Place a few drops in a diffuser to keep the room pest free.

Warning: Too much eucalyptus oil can irritate the skin, be sure to use the exact amount specified in the preparations listed here. Combining eucalyptus oil with massage oil reduces the chance of irritation. Keep eucalyptus oil away from children.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all, have a great day!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Lavender Oil

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Lavender Oil


Photo by lokenre

Native to the Mediterranean, lavender is primarily cultivated in Provence, in the south of France. It usually grows in open fields and stony mountain slopes. Today, it can be found throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. Lavender is a short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 24 inches. When in bloom, lavender’s blue-violet flowers gives the herb its aromatic scent. The flowers are aligned in spirals of 6 – 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage.

The finest oil is distilled from Lavandula officinalis, a species of lavender that grows only at altitudes above 3000 ft. Lavender contains a mixture of gerniol, cincole and coumarin, which produce the most potent medicinal form of the oil. These ingredients are also valuable for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and pain, as well as relief from digestive problems and various skin irritations. It is a powerful antiseptic containing more than 200 compounds that are active against fungi, viruses and other microbes. The oil is also beneficial for balancing emotions. It has a calming effect on people people who are agitated or have sleep disorders, as well as restoring the vitality in people suffering from nervous exhaustion.

For breasts:
Lavender oil can be rubbed onto breasts to help tone and tighten the skin.

  • Add 2 drops of lavender oil to 3 tbsp. of a base oil, such as sweet almond. (apply to breasts daily)

For insomnia:
Lavender oil has a calming effect, it can be used to induce sleep when you are stressed or anxious.

  • Put a few drops of lavender oil on an aromatherapy stone (available in most herbal stores) and place it in your bedroom. Its soothing effects will help you sleep soundly through the night.

For skin irritations:
Lavender water promotes good circulation in the skin, and prevents infections of the sebaceous glands.

  • For a facial lotion, add 3 drops of lavender oil to 1 quart of distilled water, dab on daily.

For nerve pain:
Lavender oil helps to relieve pain and inflammation due to neuralgia.

  • Mix 10 drops of the oil with 2 tbsp. of St. John’s Wort oil, gently rub it into the affected areas for pain relief.

For sunburn relief:

  • Add 10 drops of lavender oil to 4 ounces of water. Store the liquid in a plastic spray bottle and spritz on sunburned skin as needed.

Applications:

External Use

  • For middle ear infections, saturate a cotton ball in olive oil, drip 5 drops of lavender oil onto it and place it on the outer part of the infected ear. The lavender oil will help relieve the pain and inhibit the inflammation that often accompanies ear infections.
  • For stomach aches, cramping or colic. Combine 30 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of chamomile oil and 3 ½ oz. of cold pressed olive oil in a bottle and shake vigorously. Massage this essential oil mixture gently onto the abdomen for 10 min, using broad circular movements. Rest for a brief period and then apply a hot water bottle to the affected area for 30 mins.

Around the house:

  • Add several drops of lavender oil to the washer’s final rinse cycle, or scent a cloth with a few drops of lavender oil and throw it in the dryer to freshen a load of newly laundered clothes.
  • Place a handful of lavender buds in an old sock, knot it and store it in a drawer with your linens.

To purify Indoor air:

  • 4 drops lavender
  • 2 drops bergamot oil
  • 2 drops lemon oil

Place this mixture of essential oils in a simmer pot to help freshen the air. The oils have a powerful cleansing action. The fresh scent also exerts an uplifting effect on the mind, body and spirit. Lavender combines well with citrus oil.

Tip: For an aromatic lavender bath, use a natural emulsifier to help the oil blend well with the bathwater. Mix 5 drops of lavender oil with 1 cup of heavy cream or 1 tsp. of honey and add it to the tub.

Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that is safe to use “neat” or undiluted, on the skin. Keep a small bottle in your kitchen cabinet to treat first degree burns. One to two drops directly on the burn will relieve pain and reduce the risks of blisters.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the information listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Bergamot Oil

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Bergamot Oil


The Bergamot Tree is native to the Canary Islands and grows to a height of 12 feet. It is an inedible bitter green fruit with a pale green color that gives off a lemon orange scent.

Bergamot oil plays an important role in aromatherapy. The aroma is excellent for stress, relaxes frayed nerves, depression, anxiety, fear and anger. Add the oil to a sitz bath to help with urinary-tract infections. It can be applied topically for irritated skin, such as acne, insect bites, cold sores and eczema.

Uses:

Acne & Ecxema

  • Facial steam bath for cleansing and healing skin. Add 3 drops of Bergamot oil to a large bowl of steaming water, Drape a towel over your head and place your face over the bowl for 10-15 minutes. Do not use if you have broken facial capillaries.

Cystits & Pruritis

  • Add 4-5 drops of oil to a warm bath. Bathe once a day until symptoms are gone.

Stress

  • Add 3 drops of bergamot oil and sweet orange oil to bath when tub is full.
  • Add 3 drops of bergamot oil and clary-sage oil to bath when tub is full.
  • These blends can also be used with a carrier oil. (grapeseed or sweet-almond oil) Do this prior to bathing, to moisturize the skin.

Applications:

  • For a tension headache, rub a few drops of oil into temples or the back of neck.
  • To reduce fever, mix 5 drops of oil in 1 qt. of cold water and soak 2 towels. Wrap compress around your calves, cover with another towel to keep in place. When the compress is no longer cold, re soak. Reapply until fever is gone.
  • For cold sores and chicken pox, combine 3 drops of bergamot oil and eucalyptus oil with 1 tsp. of a water based gel that is used to dilute oils. Apply several times a day. Avoid vegetable oils.

(As a mosquito repellent; add oil to an aromatherapy lamp or place 2 drops on a cotton ball and place in a pocket)

Warning: Bergamot oil is considered photo-toxic, avoid sun exposure for at least 6 hours after use.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the oil listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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