Aromatherapy for winter health
We are well into winter and many of us wishing for Spring. The season has taken its toll on our Health sometimes via colds and flu, aches and pains and dry skin. Here are some tips to help you overcome these and carry you through to the new season.
Remember though that aromatherapy oils should not be put onto the skin unless they have been diluted in carrier oil. This can be almond, apricot kernel, avocado, evening primrose, jojoba, wheat germ or grapeseed. Diluted oils can be used for massage or in a bath.
Oils in a burner should be used undiluted as putting them in carrier oil and burning them will make the oil go rancid. In a burner, simply add a few drops of oils to water.
Dry Skin
Winter is the time we all want to stay warm and snug. Ever thought of the effect the cold has on your skin? Drying, isn’t it? How about a treat for the skin and you in a warm winter bath? Take the phone off the hook, light a few candles, play some nice music and luxuriate in the recipe below. You will be relaxed and the soothing, moisturising effect on your skin will be great.
Pour one cup oats into bath as it fills. In a container mix 1/2 cup plain milk, 5mls pumpkin seed oil, 5mls Rosehip oil, three drops frankincense, two drops petigrain. Mix this into the bath once it is full. Climb in, relax and enjoy!
Invigorate and refresh
Feeling a little down? How about a nice invigorating candlelit bath? Mix up your own bath salts.
A few drops of Lavender oil to relax you, some tea tree oil and a few drops of rosewood oil. Place some bath salts in a jar and gradually mix in the drops of essential oils. Stir the bath salts well and leave overnight for the oils to absorb. Take care not to add too much. Add a teaspoon of this mixture to your bath, take the phone off the hook, light a few tea lights and an oil burner and just lie back. This will make you feel refreshed and energise you ready for a great evening.
Follow this with your own body lotion. In an unscented body lotion base gradually add above oils and store overnight. After your bath apply to nourish both your skin and spirit!
Aches and pains
Do you get winter aches and pains? It could be from back injuries, knee injuries, arthritis, joint pain, overdoing it in the garden, sports or just general twinges here and there, tight shoulders or lower back pain. A good remedy for all of these is Marjoram oil used in a blend with Lavender, Chamomile, Ginger and Rosemary. Use Jojoba or Grapeseed oil as a base and simply add a few drops of each. Put into a hot bath and soak yourself for about 10 minutes. When you get out make sure you wrap up warm. For joint and arthritis type pains try Glucosamine and Willow Bark.
Boosting your immunity for winter chills
Mix 15 drops Lemon Scented Tea Tree oil, 10 drops Ginger, 10 drops Sandalwood, 5 drops Sweet Orange in 100ml of carrier oil such as sweet almond, apricot or jojoba. Apply this massage blend daily to reduce body tiredness during winter and to encourage higher immunity. It’s just the thing for a cold, winter’s night.
Use half the amount for children and the elderly and do not use this on babies or pregnant women.
Colds and flu
Mix a combination of the oils below in carrier oil. Don’t mix too many at once. Put a few drops in a burner to act as an antiseptic and to purify the air as well as help you with your breathing and other symptoms.
Sinus – aniseed, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, pine.
Sore throat – clove, eucalyptus, myrrh, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme.
Colds and flu – aniseed, basil, citronella, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lime, myrrh, orange, peppermint, pine, tea tree, thyme.
Coughs – aniseed, frankincense, eucalyptus, jasmine, and lavender.
Remember with essential oils to not use Neroli or Rosemary if you are pregnant or epileptic. Do not use Ylang Ylang if you have LOW blood pressure. Less is best when mixing oils. Always mix oils in carrier oil for massaging into hair or skin. Make sure the oils are all natural so no chemicals are released into your body. As a rule go by what smells nice to you, and don’t mix more than a few oils together at a time. Also be careful what oils you have burning around the kids as it will affect them because children need less of them and remember put the burner in a safe place. Aromatherapy oils have therapeutic use for all kinds of ills so research them to make sure you are using the right ones. If in doubt consult your aromatherapist.
