Massage blends

Aromatherapy massage blends* offer you an opportunity to explore unique base or carrier material. For blending into a base or carrier oil a dosage of 2.5 - 5% is recommended.

A 2.5% dilution = 15 drops per ounce with an average 'swing'** ratio of 10 - 20 drops per ounce.  A 5% dilution = 30 drops per ounce which is currently considered to be a more 'clinical' dilution of essential oils. A 5% dilution has a 'swing'** ratio of 25 - 35 drops per ounce.  Much research in current years has shown that "less is better" when utilizing essential oils.  Therefore a 2.5% dilution is an appropriate and recommended dosage.

TERMS:  A Blend can be defined as the end product of combining 3-5 different essential oils (e.g. Geranium, Clary sage and Lavender) into a carrier or base material (e.g. creams, cleansing bases, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel etc.)

TERMS:  A Synergy can be defined as the end product of combining 3-5 different essential oils (e.g. Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Laurel) without the use of a base or carrier oil.

** Swing ratio is what I have always used depending on the strength of the essential oils chosen.  At times when a blend contains highly aromatic essential oils I recommend to reduce the overall drops by 5.  At other times when the blend is constructed with highly volatile or with less powerful aromatic essential oils, I recommend to increase the overall drops by 5.  The swing ratio allows us to more completely customize our blends without getting to caught up in exact drops.

A 5-10% can be beneficial for acute conditions especially in such cases as: acute constipation, muscular aches and pains, arthritis, and migraines.
 

Baths

Bath therapy with essential oils can have profound effects on the healing of skin disorders, alleviating muscular aches and pains, enhancing respiratory functions, reducing levels of stress, as well as increasing and supporting blood and lymph circulation. Essential oil baths or Aromatic bathing can begin to facilitate healing on numerous levels both physiologically as well as psychologically. Dosage is recommended at 5-10 drops in a full body bath depending on which essential oils you choose. Customize drops based upon choice of oils. The water should be warm but not hot and the essential oils should be added to the bath either once the individual is in it or right before the individual is getting into the water. Always suggest the swishing around of water in order to disperse concentration of essential oils in the water.

One can also dilute essential oils in powdered milk, sea salts, milk, and carrier oils to reduce any possibility of irritation.

Essential oils float on the bath water and may leave a thin film of undiluted oil on the skin in certain areas when leaving the bath. Therefore oils that are potentially irritant or sensitising may cause reactions in people with sensitive skins. It is better therefore to solubilize a small amount of a non-irritant essential oil in a non-petroleum derived detergent or liquid soap (say 5-10 parts solubilizer to 1 part of essential oil) and add this to the bath water to reduce "filming" effects.

Safety Note: If any irritation occurs on the skin while bathing it may be that too much essential oil was added to the bath. Should irritation occur, rinse the area with cool water and apply a light cream without essential oils, the irritation should dissipate within an hour.

Aromatic baths with Epsom salts or sea salts

Epsom salt baths are highly effective in aiding and supporting the body in detoxing.  Epsom salts aid the elimination of waste material from the skin as well as reduce muscular aches and pains by aiding the elimination of uric acid build-up.  Epsom salts support and enhance the bodies’ immune response by stimulating lymph and blood circulation.  Use 5-8 drops of essential oils per cup of Epsom salts.

Foot and Hand baths

Foot and Hand baths can be utilized in the treatment of: arthritis, athletes foot, poor circulation, low energy, stress, nail fungus and other skin disorders of the hands and feet.  Dosage:  5-7 drops of essential oil in a basin of warm/hot water.  Let feet or hands soak for 10 - 15 minutes.  Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts for added benefit.

Inhalations & Diffusing

Inhalations can be utilized for the treatment of a variety of respiratory disorders as well as emotional states.  They are most effective for treating nasal or chest congestion where there is an excess or deficiency of mucus. (E.g. Sinusitis, bronchitis, hay fever, post nasal drip etc.)  Inhalations range in methods of application and consist of the following:

a. Steam Inhalation

Bring 2 cups of water to boil, reduce heat and let water cool for 5-10 minutes. Add 2-5 drops of essential oil (or a combination of 2-3 essential oils). Inhale vapors for 5-10 minutes.  You can also place a towel over your head to increase concentration.  Inhalations can be used 2-3 times a day in treatment of specific respiratory disorders.

REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR EYES CLOSED TO AVOID IRRITATION!

b. Handkerchief or tissue paper can be used as a wonderful tool for inhalations.

Dosage: Place 2-4 drops of essential oils on the tissue or cloth.  Hold cloth in the palms of your hand and take 2-3 deep inhalations through the nose. Suggested time: 7 times a day or as needed to keep sinus area clear.

Another variation on this theme is to place 2-4 drops on your pillowcase during the night.  This will keep the sinuses open throughout the night and if you have trouble falling asleep with 'eucalyptus' then add a drop of lavender to aid sleep!

c.  Aerial dispersion via electronic glass diffusers

"The nebulising diffuser consists of two parts: an air pump and a hand blown glass expansion chamber (nebuliser) with special internal tubes and baffles.  As air is pushed from the pump into the glass chamber the essential oil 'breaks' against the baffles where by the essential oil is discharged into the atmosphere in a fine mist of micro droplets.  Aerial dispersion is best utilized in short durations.  Recommended time usage: 15 minutes every two hours.  The ionized micro droplets will stay suspended in the air. " ( Jan Kusmirek) 

Aerial dispersion or electronic diffusion is best used for: Respiratory ailments, environmental fragrancing, energy sedation or stimulation, emotional upsets, and to clean the air of bacteria and microbes./font>

d.  Clay candle or electric pottery diffusers

This type of diffuser is useful in the treatment of emotion upsets or simply to provide a pleasant atmosphere.  A very simple method of 'environmental' fragrancing.  This method of diffusion however, lacks the medicinal value received by aerial dispersion. Use to enhance and beautify the home or office.               

A variation on this theme includes the wide range of clay diffusers available in retail stores.  Such diffusers include:  clay car diffusers, clay necklaces, glass necklaces, small room clay diffusers.  These are all useful in creating an aromatic environment as well as to enhance emotional well being. They are not of medicinal value in treating chronic or acute respiratory disorders. 

e.  Water spray - Essential oil spritzer

Another fantastic way of utilizing essential oils is to make a water spray or a floral spritzer.  In a 4-ounce container of water, place 10 - 15 drops of essential oils.  Make sure to shake the contents before each use.  A water spray can be used to fragrance a room, clean the air or you can create a mosquito repellent

Safety Note: The use of essential oils on light bulbs is not recommended.Many essential oils are flammable and heat and ignition sources should therefore be avoided. High temperatures oxidise and resinify the oils and may cause harmful products to be emitted. It is better to use a purpose-built inert (ceramic) oil heater or diffuser for this purpose.

Compress

This method of application is best used in treating such conditions as: muscular aches and pains, varicose veins, sprains, bruises, menstrual cramps and respiratory congestion.  It is also a wonderful way to relax from a long day at work.  Use a cold compress for recent conditions (as listed above) and a hot compress for long standing conditions as well as menstrual cramps.  Dosage:  To 1/2 liter of water place 5-7 drops of essential oil (or a combination thereof), swish water around and then place a face cloth or a piece of linen or cotton fabric into the water. Wring towel out and place on area to be treated. Allow the compress to cool/heat to body temperature prior to removing.
 

Salves

Salves are useful in treating muscular aches and pains as well as respiratory conditions and skin rashes.

How to make an aromatic salve:

To make a salve simply use 1 & 1/4 cup vegetable oil (e.g. a combination of Sunflower, Calendula herbal infusion and Echinacea herbal infusion or simply 100% sunflower or apricot kernel or olive oil) with 1 ounce of beeswax.  Melt this down in a double boiler at medium temperature.  Once the beeswax and oil are fluid, remove from stove.  At this point you can pour the fluid into small glass jars and customize each salve with desired essential oils. Let the salve cool and harden.  You can now use your salve.  If the salve comes out to hard or thick you can melt the mixture down again and add more oil.  If the salve is too fluid or thin you can melt it down and mix in some more beeswax.

Example recipe for Respiratory salve:

MATERIAL NEEDED:

Double boiler
1/2 cup measuring cup
1/4 cup measuring cup
A stainless steel fork

PREMAKE SYNERGY - 25mls

Eucalyptus globulus  (Eucalyptus)       7mls
Melaleuca alternifolia (T tree)              5mls
Mentha x piperita (Peppermint)          5mls
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)     7mls
Citrus limon(Lemon)                            1ml
You can also add in a drop of Niaouli and a drop of Cypress.

RECIPE

1oz beeswax
1/2 cup Sunflower oil
1/4 cup Echinacea herbal infusion
1/4 cup St. Johns wort and Calendula
1/4 cup sunflower oil and borage oil
1 tsp. of honey

In the double boiler, place the beeswax and all the oils.  Allow the water to come to a boil so that it effectively melts the beeswax.  Stir occasionally with fork.  *Make sure it is stirred well.

Once all the material is melted then take it off the heat and set aside for a few moments.

In a 2oz salve jar place the salve mixture and then add 4mls of the Respiratory synergy.  Seal immediately with cap then shake for a moment.  Set aside and let harden.    **The Recipe will make 5 -2oz jars and 2-1oz jars of salve.

Use this salve for coughs, colds, sinus congestion, and flu.  Definitely use at the onset of a cold/flu.

Mouthwash

Mouthwashes with essential oils can treat canker sores, bad breath, and sore throats.  Dosage:  1-2 drops of essential oil in a cup of water or 5 parts water: 1 part apple cider vinegar.  Gargle with the water and then spit out. (Do not swallow.)  Usage:  2-3 times a day as needed.

Creams and Gels

Creams and gels are fantastic for the skin, they are able to effectively deliver both oil and water into the skin.  Gels are also wonderful for varicose veins and muscular aches and pains or with conditions needing a cooling delivery system.  The standard dilution rate is: 2.5% (15 drops per ounce).