Essential Oil Basics

Essential Oils can be used for their scent, cosmetic & medicinal qualities at home. They should be stored in a cool dark area to protect them from photo-oxidation to ensure the quality, longevity & medicinal properties are protected. Amber or blue bottles are the best as they protect the light-sensitive chemical compounds from visible light, ultraviolet & infrared radiation which can alter them.

Essential oils can be kept for approximately 1-2 years depending on the type of oil. Exceptions are all the citrus oils e.g. Orange and Bergamot etc. which need to be kept in the fridge in warm weather. On the other hand Patchouli actually improves with age!

Essential Oils are a beautiful addition to your Self-care routine & health regime.

In order to achieve a clearer understanding of the therapeutic potentials of essential oils it is helpful to take an overall view of the human body systems.

The Skin: Essential Oils are valuable and versatile for the use on skin as they are able to combat complaints on a variety of levels. EO’s are soluble in oils & alcohol and impart their scent to water. They are commonly used in cosmetics and skin care products. Surface Skin problems often are a manifestation of a deeper condition eg toxins in blood, hormonal imbalance. The skin being the largest organ the body easily absorbs EO’s.

The Circulation, Muscles & Joints: Because EO’s are easily absorbed by the skin and mucosa into the bloodstream the effects on circulation as a whole increases whilst also influencing inner organs. They can relieve pain through their analgesic or numbing affect. These types of oils can relieve local inflammation, freeing mediators which then allow the blood vessels to expand and blood then flows faster reducing swelling.

The Respiratory System: Nose, throat and lung conditions and infections respond well to treatment with EO’s. Inhalation is an effective way to benefit from their properties. They increase bronchial secretion (a protective reaction) which is beneficial. EO’s are absorbed into the blood circulation faster via inhalation than oral application.

The Digestive System: Although it is not recommended that EO’s are taken orally the external application in problems of the digestive system are effective.

The Genito-urinary and Endocrine Systems: EO’s can affect the reproductive system through the absorption via the skin into the bloodstream. Some oils influence hormones, thyroid, adrenal medulla, adrenal cortex.

Hops, Sage and Fennel for example contain a form of estrogen which influences the menstrual cycle.

Kidneys, Bladder and urinary system is difficult to achieve results via external application. The EO’s with diuretic agents; juniper, lovage and parsley seed are unsuitable for internal use due to their high level of toxicity which could cause kidney damage.

The Immune System: Almost all EO’s have bactericidal properties by promoting the production of white blood cells, they can help prevent and treat infectious illness

The Nervous System: Some EO’s have a sedating effect and others a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, some have a balancing or normalizing effect. Oils can be sedating on the nervous system whilst uplifting to the Spirit or be nerve stimulants yet soothing and relaxing on a subtle emotional level.

The Mind: The history of aromatic oils have been used for their power to influence the emotions and states of mind: Two olfactory nerve tracts run into the limbic system – the part of the brain associated with memory & emotion, this means that scents can evoke immediate and powerful responses, to what extent the response is dependent on the temperament of each individual. Individual needs must be considered.

Essential Oil applications

MASSAGE
Massage with the use of essential oils is deeply relaxing, refreshing and improves your well being. The specific oil/s chosen are blended with a base oil such as coconut or almond oil. The blend is usually between 1% & 3% 

Essential Oil Base Oil

3 to 5 drops essential oil per 1tsp base oil

7 to 25 drops essential oil per 25ml base oil

20 to 60 drops essential oil per 100ml base oil

Massage it into the whole body or localised area. You can use a single essential oil or mix two or more together, to suit your condition.

SKIN AND HAIR CARE 
Essential oils added to your creams, lotions and shampoos will enhance their therapeutic actions and leave your skin and hair looking healthy and vibrant. 
Mix 20-30 drops of essential oil to 50ml of shampoo and 10 -20 drops for 50 ml of cream or lotions.

Base oils should include nourishing oils such as jojoba, avocado, coconut. Do not use mineral oils.

Conditions such as cold sores or athletes foot, an alcohol base is better – 6 drops essential oil to 5mls of isopropyl alcohol, it can be also be further diluted in a litre of boiled and cooled water for treating open cuts and sores.

STEAM INHALATION 
Place 3-6 drops of either a mixture of pure essential oils, or an essential oil of your choice, into a bowl of hot water. 
Cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam for a few minutes. Repeat 2-4 times daily. 
This process of taking the essential oil directly into your nose, throat and chest has strong antibacterial, antiviral and soothing effects.

BATHS 
Baths are one of the easiest and most pleasurable ways of using essential oils. 
Just add 5-10 drops to a table spoon of  base oil, honey or milk, and then pour into your bath when it has finished running, stirring the water to mix the oils in.  For maximum benefit soak for at least 10 minutes. Take care to avoid those oils which can be irritating to the skin.

ROOM BURNERS 
You can create whatever atmosphere you want in your home or work place by using an oil burner or aromatic diffuser. Add 4 to 5 drops of essential oil depending on the type of burner.

NEAT APPLICATION

Essential Oils are generally not applied to the skin in undiluted form, blend with a base oil before applying. Do not use mineral oils.

Exceptions:

Lavender can be applied undiluted to burns, cuts, insect bites

Lemon to warts

BABIES AND CHILDREN
Children and babies can benefit greatly by using pure essential oils and floral waters. When using essential oils to massage children, or in their baths, it is always important to dilute them in an blended base oil, or vegetable oil first. 
Use lower dilution: for children 5-10 drops, for babies 2-4 drops of essential oil per 20ml of base oil.

Floral waters are a very good alternative to essential oils to use with children and babies as they are gentle.

DOUCHE

This can help with common genitor-urinary infections such as thrush, cystitis or pruriti.

Candida/Thrush add between 5 and 10 drops of tea tree to 1lt of warm water and shake well. Use in a sitz bath, bidet or in an douche pouch (sold at the chemist)

Lavender and Cypress can aid the healing process after childbirth.

FLOWER/FLORAL WATERS

Add 20-30 drops of essential oil to a 100ml bottle of spring or de-ionized water leaving it for a few days in the dark. Then filter using a coffee filter paper. They impart their scent in the water.

For the treatment of acne, dermatitis, eczema and to tone and cleanse the complexion.

Traditional oils used are – rose, neroli,  lavender and blends can be made to suit complexions.

HOW DO I USE FLORAL WATERS?
 
Use 5-10 ml as face cleanser or pour in bath. 
Floral waters are a very good alternative to essential oils to use in many situations. For example, you can use them:

• As a face cleanser.
• With children and babies as floral waters are so safe and mild.
• In hot or cold compresses.
• As a skin moisturiser and cleanser.
• As a refreshing body lotion.
• An ideal present for both men and women
• In your bath.
• In food and cooking. Many people use floral waters in their cooking to create exotic and delicious flavours.
• As  a drink for their therapeutic qualities.

HOT AND COLD COMPRESSES

Effective way to relieve pain & reduce inflammation.

Hot compress: Fill a bowl with hot water add 4-5 drops essential Oil. Dip a folded cotton cloth/flannel into the bowl and squeeze out the excess water. Then place the cloth on the effected area until it has cooled to blood heat, then repeat. Useful for backache, rheumatism and arthritis, abscesses, earache and toothache.

Cold Compress: Made in a similar way only using ice cold water. This is a useful compress for headaches, sprains, strains and other hot, swollen conditions.

The properties of each essential oil in a blend can be vital to the  effectiveness of the remedy as a whole. There are many recipes available in Aromatherapy Books and Websites for specific disorders. When blended oils are working together harmoniously the combination is called ‘synergy’ to create a good synergy you must take into account the symptom to be treated but the underlying cause of the disorder, the biological terrain, and the psychological or emotional factors involved.

COOKING: 1 drop = 1tsp please follow a recipe.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Always check with specific safety data before using a new oil, especially with regard to toxicity levels, photo-toxicity, dermal irritation and sensitisation.

Information is taken from NHR Essential Oils and The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils – Julia Lawless and is provided as a guide only.

CAUTIONS 
The therapeutic information on each oil is for educational use ONLY, and is The  Merkabah's opinion based on traditional uses and as such is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or administer in any manner to any physical ailments. In any matter relating to health, please always contact a qualified health practitioner.

• Never take essential oils internally. Do not swallow them. If they are accidentally swallowed, drink plenty of milk and consult your doctor.
• The following oils may discolour the skin if it is exposed to strong sunlight: Bergamot, Juniper, Lemon and Orange.
• Children and babies - Do not use Lemongrass, Thyme, Peppermint or Eucalyptus on children under three years of age. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.
• When bathing babies and young children never use essential oils undiluted because the oils can easily get into their eyes if they rub them with their hands.
• Pregnancy - If you are pregnant, only use essential oils in consultation with a qualified aromatherapist.

The Merkabah stocks a range of doTerra & NHR Essential Oils for your wellbeing. If it is not listed on the website please contact me for availability here...

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