Background Info, Essential Oils, Dosages, Carrier Oils, Suggested Blends
These are guidelines only - I am not a licensed aromatherapist, however I do have some knowledge of aromatherapy and essential oils. It is to be noted that some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and by those suffering from high blood pressure, epilepsy or kidney disease - see my individual list of oils for any cautions and consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Aromatics have been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, who lived more than 3,000 years ago. Ancient Egyptians soaked fragrant woods and resins in water and oil, then rubbed their bodies with the liquid. They also used these liquids to embalm the dead.
During the 14th century, the Black Death ravaged Europe and Asia, claiming millions of lives. The aromatic plants clove, cypress, cedar, pine, sage, rosemary, and thyme were burned in the streets, hospitals and sickrooms in an attempt to ward off the infectious disease. Perfumers and those who were in daily contact with aromatic plants seemed immune to the plague.
Essential oils are extracted from plants, shrubs, trees, flowers, seeds, roots and grasses. These oils contain the essential life force of the plants. When we blend these pure and fragrant oils, they create the most enjoyable and effective products. The essences can be used for massage, skin and hair care, deodorants, and used in aroma lamps (oil burners) where the essential oils are added to water and the aromatic vapor is dispersed into the air.
Massage: Use no more than 10 drops in the cmbined total from up to 3 essential oils in 20ml of carrier oil. Or, do as I do and keep your favourite blends ready for use in a small atomizer - 10ml of carrier oil and a blend of 5 drops of essential oils.
Full Bath: Use 6 to 12 drops in the combined total from up to 3 of essential oils in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Make sure the bath is at least half full before adding the essential oils.
Burner: Fill bowl with warm to hot water and use 5 to 10 drops in the combined total from up to 3 essential oils.
Compress: Use 5 to 10 drops in the combined total from up to 3 essential oils in half a litre of water.
Essential oils are so concentrated that they need to be diluted for some applications. This is done by mixing them in base carrier oils. These carrier oils also help the essential oils to penetrate the skin, particularly in massage. Use only 100 per cent pure, unrefined cold-pressed vegetable, nut or seed oils for base carrier oils. These are readily absorbed, nourish the skin and leave it soft and supple. The following base carrier oils are popular for aromatherapy - apricot kernel, avodaco, camellia, evening primrose, grapeseed, hazelnut, jojoba, macadamia nut, rosehip seed, sweet almond, wheatgerm.
Here are a few suggested blends, or you can choose from the chart and make up your own blends.
Anxiety: bergamot 3, jasmine 4, ylang ylang 3 ------- frankincense 3, sandalwood 3, ylang ylang 4 - use in massage, bath and burner
Arthritis: chamomile 3, juniper 3, lavender 4 ------- lavender 4, cypress 3, eucalyptus 3 - use in massage, bath, burner or compress.
Burns & scalds, minor: neat lavender oil may be applied to the burn and covered with a cool damp compress made of gauze or muslin so the wound can breathe.
Colds, flu: lemon 4, peppermint 3, eucalyptus/cedarwood 3 ------- grapefruit 3, lemon 4, clary sage 3 - use in massage, bath and burner
Cramps, menstrual: geranium 3, lavender 4, jasmine 3 - mix with carrier oil and rub gently into the abdomen
Cramps, muscular: basil 3, lemon 4, juniper 3 - use in bath or massage
Cuts and abrasions: chamomile 4, geranium 3, lavender 3 - use with compress or use 2 drops of each in 500ml of warm water and bathe affected area
Disinfectant, household: Dissolve 10 mls eucalyptus oil and 3 mls lavender oil in 20 mls of methylated spirits. Add 2 cups water and shake well to mix. Put in mist sprayer. Spray area and wipe off. (I use this all the time)
Hangover: geranium 3, lavender 3, grapefruit 4 - use in massage, bath or burner
Headache: peppermint 3, lavender 4, eucalyptus/cedarwood 3 ------- basil 4, chamomile 3, geranium 3 - use in burner and inhalations. (I keep a small atomizer with a blend of 2 peppermint, 2 lavender and 1 eucalyptus in 10 mls of carrier oil ready for use and gently massage into forehead and temples).
Insect bites, stings: Chamomile, lavender and tea tree and lemongrass may be applied neat with a cotton bud. Other oils should be used diluted in bath or massage.
Insect Repellant: geranium 4, peppermint 3, lavender 3 ------- bergamot 3, geranium 4, peppermint 3 - use in burner or mix with a carrier oil and apply to exposed skin.
Insomnia: clary sage 3, lavender 4, neroli 3 ------- chamomile 3, lavender 4, marjoram 3 - use in gentle head and neck massage or in bath or burner.
Mouth Wash: Add 2 lemon, 2 peppermint, 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey to 120ml of water, stir well and rinse mouth (do not swallow)
Muscular aches and pains: clary sage 3, basil 4, marjoram 3 ------- clary sage 3, lavender 4, marjoram 3 - use in bath or massage.
Pimples: chamomile 3, lavender 3, lemon 4 - use in massage, bath and compress.
Pre-menstrual tension: bergamot 4, clary sage 3, neroli 3 ------- chamomile 3, grapefruit 5, rose 2 - use in massage, bath or burner.
Relaxation: lavender 3, ylang ylang 3, geranium 4 ------- bergamot 3, frankincense 3, neroli 4 - use in massage, bath or burner.
Rheumatism: lavender 3, juniper 3, lemon 4 - use in massage, bath and compress
Sinusitis: lavender 3, peppermint 3, eucalyptus 3 - use in massage, bath, burner
Skin, ageing: frankincense 4, jasmine 3, neroli 3 -------jasmine 4, frankincense 3, rose 3 - use in massage and bath
Sunburn relief: 3 lavender, 2 chamomile, 1 teaspoon (5mls) aloe vera gel - mix well and gently apply on sunburned area several times a day.
Travel Sickness: dab a few drops of bergamot, eucalyptus & cedarwood or peppermint on a handkerchief and inhale deeply.