A Beginner’s Guide To The Phenomenal Powers Of Essential Oils: Essential Oil Recipes For Weight Loss, Aromatherapy, Stress Relief And Anti-Aging (2016)

Chapter 2. Using Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is most popularly known for using the scent of essential oils to promote relaxation and stress relief. Essential oil blends can also be use for relief from common ailments. These essential oils are also used to promote overall health and well-being.

Massage Oils

For massage or body oils, essential oils are always diluted with carrier oils. These are other herbal or vegetable oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Dilution is important to avoid any negative reactions when using essential oils directly on the skin. While essential oils are generally safe, some may contain compounds that can be irritating to sensitive individuals.

Safe dilution guidelines include:

For oils meant for infants and young children: Add 3-6 drops for every ounce of carrier oil to create 0.5 to 1% dilution that’s generally safe for these young ones.

For oils meant for adult use: Several dilutions are used for various purposes. Common dilutions are:

2.5% dilution: add 15 drops of chosen essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil

3% dilution: add 20 drops of chosen essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil

5% dilution: add 30 drops of chosen essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil

10% dilution: add 60 drops of chosen essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil

Massage oils are generally used for the following conditions:

Anxiety/stress

Migraines

Headaches

Insomnia

Rheumatism & arthritis (sub-acute phase)

Relief for acute or chronic pain

Chronic muscular or joint aches and pains

Reduction of inflammation

Relief of muscle spasms

Immunity enhancement

Relaxing and soothing the nervous system

Pregnancy and childbirth massage

Part of treatment of strains, sprains and other repetitive movement injuries

Facial lotions, creams and oils

Essential oils are added to basic, unscented facial lotions and creams to enhance their effects. Facial oils can be made by blending essential oils and carrier (herbal/vegetable) oils.

The skin over the face is thinner and more sensitive than the skin over the rest of the body. Make sure to use mild oils (both essential and carrier) and dilute properly to avoid any negative reactions. Safe dilution rates are:

For adults with sensitive skin: 0.5 to 1% dilution= Mix 3-6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil

For adults with normal and healthy skin: 1-2.5% dilution= Mix 6-15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil

Facial lotions, creams and oils are not just for use on the face. These can also be used in other skin areas for these purposes:

Slow down skin aging

Promote wound healing

Reduction and improvement of scar appearance

Balance production of sebum

Support and enhance proper immune cells function in the skin

Improve local skin circulation

Promote skin detoxification

Improvement in skin tone

Soothe and soften skin

Promote skin hydration when used with cream or hydrosol/water

Baths

For healthy, soothing and relaxing baths, essential oils are added to dispersing agents before added to warm bath water. Generally, aromatherapy baths are prepared by mixing 2 to 12 drops of essential oils to 1 teaspoon of whole milk, honey or vegetable (carrier) oil.

Aromatherapy baths are great for:

Reducing anxiety/stress

Soothing physical or mental fatigue

Alleviating muscular pains, tension and aches

Enhancing circulation of lymph

Stimulating better blood circulation

Reducing stiffness and pain

Improving health and skin tone

Supporting skin detoxification

Steam Inhalation

This is one of the more popular aromatherapy methods for improving respiratory and immune function. Simply boil water and add 3 to 7 drops of essential oils. Some of the best ones to use for this include tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, and thyme essential oil.

Steam inhalation is used for:

Congestion in upper respiratory tract (cold or flu)

Sinus infection or sinusitis

Enhancing respiratory function

Diffusion

Diffusion spreads the aromatic and healing scents of the essential oils in the room. There is a commercially available diffuser that can be used. This method is used for these purposes:

Environmental ambiance

Insomnia and other sleep disorders

Anxiety / stress reduction

Mood enhancement

Improve air quality

Improve alertness

Reduce airborne pathogens

Essential Oil Blends that Promote Mental Clarity

For improved memory and concentration:

Mix 5 drops each of hyssop oil, rosemary, lemon and peppermint essential oils.

For increased mental alertness and quick “pick-me-upper:

Mix 2 drops each of peppermint and wild orange essential oils.

For headache relief:

Mix equal amounts of rosemary, lavender, thyme, marjoram and peppermint. Add to a diffuser for better results.

Essential Oil Blends that Energizes

To increase energy levels

Mix equal amounts of energizing earthy essential oils like ginger and frankincense oils with green herbal oils such as rosemary, peppermint and basil.

To invigorate the mind and body

Mix 4 drops of wild orange essential oil and 4 drops of peppermint oil. Inhale by placing a few drops of the blend to a handkerchief or to a diffuser.

To increase performance and vigor

Mix 2 drops each of grapefruit and peppermint essential oils.

To boost overall energy levels within you and the environment

Mix 8 drops of grapefruit oil, 4 drops of lavender oil, 4 drops of lemon essential oil, and 2 drops of basil essential oil.

Essential Oil Blends that Lifts the Mood

For improved atmosphere during gatherings

Mix 3 drops each of lavender and bergamot essential oils with 2 drops of geranium essential oil.

For emotional healing

Combine 2 drops each of bergamot, wild orange, frankincense, and bergamot essential oils. Add this oil blend to a diffuser.

Essential Oil Blends that Support Immunity

To clear nasal passages and promote healthy immune response

Combine 2 drops each lemon, peppermint and lavender essential oils. Place this blend in a diffuser. This blend is best used during the summer and spring months.

To strengthen the respiratory function

Combine a drop each of rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon and lime essential oil. Add this to a diffuser. This blend is very helpful in strengthening the respiratory system during flu and colds season.

To combat colds

Combine 20 drops of orange oil, 10 drops each of juniper berry, pine and eucalyptus essential oils. Add 6 drops each of ginger and rosewood oils. Lastly, add 4 drops of ginger essential oil. Add a few drops of this blend to a diffuser when feeling under the weather or when a cold bug is starting to hit.

To prevent colds and flu

Mix 5 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops of eucalyptus oil, 3 drops of ravensara, and 2 drops of bay laurel oils. Use this blend in a diffuser during the entire colds and flu season to prevent getting sick.

To relieve allergy symptoms

Blend 2 drops each of lavender, lemon and peppermint oils. Inhale through a handkerchief with a few drops of this blend or use with a diffuser.

Essential Oil Blends that Promote Sleep and Relaxation

For a relaxing atmosphere

Add 2 drops each marjoram, orange and lavender essential oils. Then add 1 drop of Roman chamomile and 1 drop of German chamomile. Add this blend to a diffuser.

For a soothing atmosphere

Blend 6 drops of lime oil, 6 drops of bergamot oil and 6 drops of grapefruit essential oil. Add 4 drops of ginger essential oil and 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil. Add this blend to a diffuser.

For winding down at the end of the day

Combine 10 drops of lavender essential oil and 2-3 drops each of palmarosa and rose geranium essential oil.

For sleep

Blend 1 drop of each of the following essential oil: ylang ylang, patchouli, lavender and bergamot. Place in a diffuser and use it near the bed to promote faster falling asleep.