Healthy Living

The words Men and the uses of aromatherapy do not normally go into the same sentences because men have this allusion the aromatherapy and essential oils are only for girls. How wrong they are, and if they put aside the pretty smell of the essential oils they too would realize that they too can and would benefit from everything aromatherapy is used for.

 

They can use it for all the pains and symptoms just as women can, and it will give them the exactly same relief. So once they get over their Macho image and try it they will then realize how it can help them too.

 

They can also use aromatherapy for some other benefits such as, Aftershave, antiseptic lotion, rashes and itches after shaving. I will give you a few recipes to make up and let them try it and see what they think. I bet they love it.

 

To make up a aftershave splash is not hard, just mix, 2 drops of lavender  Oil, 2 drops bergamot oils, 2 drops of rosemary oil,  OR 3 drops of sandalwood oils, 2 drops of bergamot, and 1 drop of rosemary. Mix into 250mls of Mineral Water, and put into a bottle. Strain the blend through a coffee filter, and put in another bottle.  Put in the fridge and leave it stand for about 24 hours.

 

Using the exactly the same method as you used for the aftershave splash you can Make a really soothing lotion by using these essential oils and blends.60mls of rosewater, 20mls of witch hazel, 20mls of boiled cooled water, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 6 drops of cinnamon oil and 4 drops  of orange essential oil.

 

To make An Antiseptic Lotion Use this blend when you cut yourself shaving and to help stop the Bleeding,  mix 10mls of witch hazel, 3 drops of tea tree oil, 3 drops of lavender oil, blend all the ingredients together, put in a small bottle, shake, then store in the fridge.

 

This is a soothing blend that will help your face for Shaving Rash or Itchiness, Just by Massaging into your face and neck after shaving. Mix 10mls Soya bean oil and 4 drops of lavender oil and 4 drops of chamomile.

 

If they have a bad day at work and come home in need of some TLC, give some of these mixtures ago, any of these mixtures can either be used in the bath, by massaging ( remember to mix the essential oils into 20mls of carrier oil for massaging), or in a aroma lamp or in a burner.

 

To change to bad mood try a Mood Uplifting blend like, 4 drops bergamot oil, 2 drops patchouli oil, 2 drops clary sage oil.

For Releasing Tension use 3 drops sandalwood, 2 drops frankincense oil, 2 drops cypress oil.

If they just need to be rejuvenated, 4 drops Lavender oil, 2 drops sandalwood, 2 drops rosemary oil.

If he just can’t Relax try using 4 drops sandalwood, 2 drops marjoram, 2 drops cedarwood oil.

 

 

All these remedies and methods have worked for many hundreds of years on men, so give it a try on your man.

 

 

The Swine Flu Pandemic is sweeping the world and people are scared and frightened. People need to find alternative ways to prevent and combat this flu and all other illness sweeping to days world. With this in mind I would suggest trying Aromatherapy. Old fashion Essential Oil Blends, which have been using for many hundreds of years, are a fantastic way to help combat flu’s, illnesses and injuries.     

 

In the history of essential oil you will find that they were used as perfume, food flavoring, deodorant, a pharmaceutical or as an embalming antiseptic and the impure and diluted extracts are oftentimes used as oils or creams because of the science of smell. The history of this reaches back throughout time to the period of ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt, to the today’s technology of the 20th century. With today’s technology which allows chemicals to be separated and used as a building block to introduce particular flavors and aromas into a product the way we are able to use essential oils in the uses of aromatherapy have no limits or boundaries.

 

When using essential oils for the uses with aromatherapy you can also have an environmentally friendly household, you would be able to environmentally friendly clean your home and not only do your bit with the environment you would be also helping with the health of your family. Remedies natural, verses remedies that have chemicals in them, you really can see the difference in the benefits.

 

When looking to purchase essential oils for uses with Aromatherapy you need to make sure you are getting 100% pure essential oil, because there are many companies selling essential oils today, that their oil are not pure oil and are no way 100% pure essential oil. Although these oils are being sold cheaper and you think you are getting a bargain, in fact you are not getting any benefit out of using these oils what so ever.

 

Also when you are searching for companies to purchase your essential oil make sure that they offer information on their products and a large range of different blends and what their benefits are. They should also have a range of books, Aromatherapy Cabinets, Aromatherapy Diffusers, Aromatherapy Gift Packs, Vibrational Sprays and Air Fresheners to choose from plus the information that goes along with their products.

 

You must, when purchasing Essential Oils make sure that they are 100% Pure Essential Oil, for the benefits of Aromatherapy to be effective, purchasing any thing less will not be effective. 

Uses of aromatherapy fragrances can be use for so many thing, they can hide unwanted smells, of just to stimulate your senses. In fact some real estate agents advise there sellers to use clary sage or lemon essential oils in there home before potential buyers arrive to put them at ease.

 

If you are trying to uplift your study or office, to get rid of the stuffy feeling, then I would try some of these oils.  Basil, rosemary, bergamot or lemon.

 

Using a vaporizer or burner in the living/lounge room can add a fragrance that can help to prevent ill-health, can balance your emotions and of cause disguise those unwelcome smells that can occur.

 

In the bedroom for a peaceful night sleep try burning, Rose, neroli and lavender oils to create some atmosphere. If you are having visitors and your spare room hasn’t been used for awhile try using lavender to get rid of that musty smell.

 

To get rid of insects try putting Tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemongrass in a vaporizer. And to keep insects off your clothes in your cupboard, place a drop of oil onto a cotton ball and put in your draw or cupboard.

 

If someone is sick in the home, try vaporizing Tea tree, bergamot, lemon and lavender, all these essential oils have excellent antiseptic properties. You can also wipe down your bathroom using a damp cloth with a few drops of one of these essential oils on it to disinfect it.

 

If you’re having a party for a “feel good” atmosphere you could use clary sage or jasmine. Or for a Big Festive effect, blend oils like frankincense, sandalwood, cinnamon or orange.

 

If you want to make a spray bottle for, disinfectants, air fresheners or insect repellent these are all make the same but different essential oils are used for each.

Put 250mls of boiled water (cooled) into a spray bottle and add the blend of oils which you want to use, put the lid on shake and keep in the fridge until you want to use it and then just spray the mist into the air.

My favorite air freshener is 7.5mls rose, 2.5mls orange and 2.5mls clove, this gives a lovely floral smell, or just creates your own.

My favorite disinfectant I use around the home is, 5mls eucalyptus, 2.5mls tea tree oil, 2.5mls of lemon, 1.5mls clove and 10 drops of cinnamon.

For our Insect repellent we use the following essential oils, 5mls eucalyptus, 1.5mls of citronella, 1.5mls of geranium, and 10 drops of peppermint, I find that that blend keeps the insects away.

 

 

Using aromatherapy through massage is a great way for the essential oils to be absorbed through the skin via the hair follicles, which contain sebum. Sebum has a strong affinity with essential oils allowing the oils to diffuse into the blood and lymph which can take up to 6 hours, so don’t take a shower after rubbing the essential oils in for at least 6-8 hours.

 

When using essential oils with massage the aroma of essential oils and the direct contact are producing the therapeutic benefits of the sense of smell and touch.  This will cause a great response to the whole body, both physically and emotionally. Massage can reduces the level of pain, improve sleep, relaxes the heart rate, blood pressure and can reduces anxiety. Massage with essential oils can also release endorphins which will help you relax and maintain your well being.

 

Uses of aromatherapy through massage will also benefit mussel strains that are caused by repetitive movement, sport injuries or just the everyday aches and pains that we get from time to time in our hectic lives.  Massaging Essential oils will release the tension and stiffness in the mussels to help gain your full range of movement back in your joints and relieve the pain. To maintain the wellbeing of your body, studies show that getting a massage once a week can help keep your body well aligned, as you know prevention is much better than a cure.

 

Please note that massage should not be used on anyone that has had a recent operation, anyone with a high fever, or is feeling nausea.  Do Not use any Essential Oils with massage when you are pregnant. And of cause do not massage near any open wounds.

 

When mixing your essential oils for massage, use about 10 drops (combo of up to 3 different essential oils can be used) into 20mls of base carrier oil in to a pump bottle and shake to mix well. This should be kept in a cool place out of the sun, and should last a couple of months.

 

The rubbing action with massage and the use of essential oils mixture will activate the nerve endings and stimulate the circulation of your blood to the surface of the skin.  The oils can be use for many things but are a few of them are your face, back, chest, top of the hands, the soles of the feet, neck and shoulders.  Your hands are particularly receptive because the back of your hands are very thin. 

 

Using massaging on your scalp can be very good if you fell tired, to help with loss of hair and ageing and of really helps to release tension and stress after a hard day, or to relieve that head ache that sometimes is hard to rid of.

 

 

Although the traditional uses of aromatherapy are for the bath and massage, there are many other helpful and effective ways of using and enjoying the benefits of essential oils. Some of these other ways are, Direct Application, Inhalation, Burners, Compresses, Atomizers, Vaporizing.

 

Using direct application of essential oils is not normally recommended, with the exception of lavender and tea tree oil. Just put a drop of either oil on a damp cotton bud and put onto the affected area.

 

With using aromatherapy through inhalation all you have to do is fill a glass bowl with hot to boiling water (don’t spill it own yourself) add about 4-8 drops of your essential oils that you have chosen for today, and with a towel over your head lean over and breathe deeply. Continue to breathe the vapors in for as long as the steam is still following.

 

There are many types of burners that you can purchase to attach to light globe fittings. All you do is add a few drops of essential oil and then the heat from the light bulb will heat the essential oils and vaporizes.

 

Compresses are used for the aid of many things. Fill a bowl with half a litre of hot or cold water depending on what you are using it for, Add 5-10 drops of your essential oils, and mix into the water.  Add your cloth into the bowl and then wring out, and place on area you are treating.  Use Hot Compress for arthritis, neuralgia, muscle aches, back pain, menstrual cramps and skin inflammation, and use cold water for Headaches, bruises, eye aches and tension.  Keep using for around 20-30 minutes.

 

Using aromatherapy through Atomizers is one of my favorite, with this just get a glass or bottle, don’t use plastic, add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil to about 100mls of boiled or distilled water. This will put a lovely aroma throughout your home or help remove that stubbin smell and refresh that room.

 

Using aromatherapy through Vaporizer Burner’s is quite simple. All you have to do is get an aromatherapy oil burner, fill the top with some water and add a few drops of essential oils and light the candle. But note, don’t let all the water evaporate or the oils will leave a sticky residue in the bowl, and it is really hard to clean. 

 

 

 

The uses of aromatherapy through bathing is extremely effective and easy and can be therapeutic or just purely for indulgence.  The resorting effects of using Aromatherapy through bathing can be enormous to the benefits of your skin and body, because adding essential oils to your bath water are absorbed through the skin which benefits and moisten your skin while you are laying back relaxing.

 

A Relaxation bath can calm your whole body and mind after a very stressful day and will help you unwind before bed so that you will be able to get a good night sleep.  If you put a DVD on for the children, and get them all set up in the lounge, while you are running your bath, you should be able to get a good 10 -20 minutes of quite and peace while they are still enhanced in that DVD.  When you get in the bath try and relax, empty your mind and let the oils soothe away the stress and any pains you may have.  Try and stay in the bath for at least 20 minutes.

 

When you pick the essential oils you want (pick up to 3 oils), add above 6-12 drops of essential oil into one tablespoon of carrier oil into your hot bath. Mixing the essential oil to the carrier base is best way for baths because using just essential oils in there concentrated form, will just float on the top of the water and by mixing with the carrier oil and mixing into the bath will give you better distribution through your bath water. Try some of the following oils for calming effects Basil, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, juniper, lavender, marjoram, neroli, patchouli, rose or ylang ylang.  These oils all have calming effects, but some of these can be used to stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system, these oils are juniper, lavender and bergamot oils. The uses of aromatherapy in the bath are not just for relaxation.  The stimulating bath is great to give you a kick start first up in the morning, or if you need to be refreshed for a late night. Fill your bath with cool water, add your 6-12 drops of essential oils in a tablespoon of carrier oil and mix well. Jump in your bath a with a washer or bath mitt rub down your body which will stimulate the circulation. The best essential oils for stimulation are, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary and thyme.

 

One of the quickest and easiest uses of aromatherapy is your footbath. Many of us have a foot spa now but if you don’t, just use and big bowl and fill it with warm to hot water. If you add 4-8 drop’s of your favorite essential oil and soak your feet for about 15-20 minutes.

 

But don’t worry if you have not got time for a bath with the uses of aromatherapy you can also used in the shower.  Just apply 2-3 drops of your essential oil onto your wet washer and rub over you whole body while standing under your warm shower.  You will still feel the benefits of the oils but make sure you put it all over your skin to get the full benefits.

 

Below is a  list some of the methods for using essential oils at home, but remember if using any of these methods for babies; children and the elderly lower the dosage. These methods I use personally, and work very well.  When you are under a lot of stress, which many of us are these days, try these methods first before using pain medication, and I am shore that you will be pleasantly surprised. But always remember that this is only a suggestion and that what works for one person may not always be as successful for another, but it is defiantly worth a try.

 

APPLICATION                    DOSAGE                               DETAILS OF METHOD

 

For Baths                               5-8 drops of oil                      Fill the bath add the essential oil or

Only 2 drops for children      oil blend and stir it around in the water. If the bath is for relaxation use warm water, or for invigoration use hot water, (only as hot as you can stand it), Stay in the bath for no less than 10 minutes.

 

For Hot Compresses            5 drops of oil in                     Put 1 litre of hot water in a bowl and

                                             1 litre of hot water                     add the oils and mix. Put the washer         

                                       Only 2 drops for children      in the hot water and soak the washer

Thoroughly. Wring in out and place on the affected area.

 

For Inhalation                        2 drops of oils                        Put on a hanky or tissue and inhale whenever needed

 

For Body Massage               5-10 drops of oils in 20mls  Place the essential oils drops into

                                               Carrier oil                                a coloured bottle and shake to mix.

 

For Face Massage               2-4 drops of oils in 20mls     Place the essential oil drops into

                                                Carrier oil                               a coloured bottle and shake to mix.

 

For Steam Inhalation            2-5 drops of oil into              Place the essential oil drops into

                                                1 litre of Very Hot Water       a bowl filled with very hot water and

                                                                                         mix well. Place a towel over your

head keep your eyes closed and breathe in deeply. DO NOT USE THIS METHOD for Asthma Symptom, or Hay Fever.

 

For Washing out Wounds      10-30 drops of oil into         Place the essential oil drops into  

                                               250mls of cooled boiled        the cooled boiled water which has

                                                Water                                      been placed into a bottle.  And pour over wound, until clean.

 

To Refresh your Carpets      2.5-5mls of oil                        Place the oil in a jar with the

                                            250mls of bicarb of soda         bicarbonate of soda, place aside for

                                                                                                at least 24 hours. Then just sprinkle

                                                                                                over carpets leave for about 20 mins

                                                                                                or so, and then vacuum

 

Humidifiers Light Bulbs          1-2 drops of oil                    Rub 1-2 drops of oil on the cold light

                                                                                                Bulb. When the light bulb heats ups the essential oils will start to diffuse

                                                                                         Room.

 

 

 

For use in Clothes Dryers    2 drops of oils                        Place 2 drops of you favorite

                                                                                                essential oil onto a cloth and place

                                                                                                into the dryer with your clothes.

 

 

 

There are many more uses and methods for the uses of aromatherapy and I will continue to go though them all, so keep checking in and I hope that I can give use some useful information that you can use within your home or for your health.

 

This is a quick reference guide for essential oils base carrier for aromatherapy home recipes because essential oils are very concentrated they need to be diluted for some uses, and the best way to do this is by using base carrier oil. In addition to helping dilute the essential oil a good quality base carrier also helps the essential oils uses to penetrate the skin especially with massage use.

 

These are some of the most popular base carrier oils for aromatherapy;

 

• Apricot Kernel Oil – This is a very pale yellow & contains minerals &vitamins, it has a light soothing feel and is easily absorbed with nutrition for the skin;
• Avocado Oil – This is a dark green color & contains vitamins & proteins, lecithin & essential fatty acids, which is very good for dry skin, skin irritations;
• Camellia Oil – This is a clear color and contains oleic acid which is an essential fatty acid, that works as a lubrication oil that leaves your skin soft & silky;
• Evening Primrose Oil -  This is a pale yellow and contains a high level of gamma linoleic acid, vitamins & minerals which is excellent for treating psoriasis & eczema and increases blood flow to the surface of the skin;
• Grapeseed Oil – The color of this one is almost colorless or pale green which contains vitamins, minerals & protein, and is very light & easily absorbed on you skin;
• Hazelnut Oil - This colour is yellow. It is very rich in vitamins & fatty acids. This is good for restructuring this skin and get the oil into the bloodstream, plus it leaves a soft silky feeling;
• Rosehip Seed Oil – This oil is colorless.  It contains a high levels of linoleic & Fatty acids, which is particularly important for tissue regeneration;
• Wheatgerm Oil – This is a yellow to orange colour. It is rich in vitamins, phosphorous, zinc, iron sulphur & essential fatty acids. It is great for nervous systems, skin irritation, scar tissue and stretched skin;

 

 

You can also use a 100% pure oil unrefined cold pressed vegetable, nut or seed oils for abase carrier oils when mixing your essential oils recipes. Not all cold pressed oils are suitable for aromatherapy massage.  Some, like carrot will stain the skin if used neat, and others like olive and sesame are very heavy and will leave you feeling greasy, and some are just far too expensive to be used on there own. But, using aromatherapy you only add a small amount of these oils to the common, nullity purpose base oil because of their special properties. For uses of aromatherapy carrier oils are divided up into two categories. They are Multi-Purpose Oils and Special enhancers.

 

Multi-Purpose oils are a versatile vegetable oil and used as the main base oils in blends. Used on their own for massage oils or can be enhanced by the adding of small amounts of special enhancers.

 

Special enhancers, are a vegetable oil that are added to the nullity purpose carriers in small amounts to help with troubled skin conditions or as  preservative for a longer shelf life.

How to make essential oils to be used in conjunction for natural sense aromatherapy:-

 

Mixing essential oils to create blends is very easy and so simple, but here is a few helpful tips to make sure that your blends turn out the way they are suppose too!

Always use clean glass bottles and measuring equipment when mixing and always remember that some oils can damage varnished and plastic surfaces, so don’t spill it!

 

Pour the base carrier into the mixing bottle. Choose no more than three (3) essential oils, shake well and then test on the back of your hand to make sure that the scent is what you are after. There are so many blends  you can choose from or you can mix and match till you find one you love.

 

Some common sense rules to keep in mind while making essential oil recipes and in the uses of aromatherapy are:- 

 

Pure Essential oils are very concentrated and are to be used with care. Here are some safety rules and if these are followed sensible there will be nothing to worry about.

 

• Essential Oils must never be swallowed internally;
• Undiluted essential oils should never be put straight on the skin unless prescribed;
• Do not put near your eyes, but if it gets into your eyes, wash your eyes out with warm water but never put vegetable oils into your eyes to try and ease the pain because this will only make the problem worst;
• Some essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint shouldn’t be used if you are taking homeopathic medicines as they may counteract the effects;
• Some people that are allergic to flowers may also have the same effect with some of the essential oils;
• When putting essential oils into a bath for children or someone with sensitive skin put the essential oils into carrier oil first. Also neat essential oils may over time discolor a fiberglass bath tub;

 

Use Extra care for the following Conditions at all times;

• Anyone with High Blood Pressure should avoid eucalyptus, sage, rosemary and thyme;
• People with Low Blood Pressure avoid lavender, ylang ylang and marjoram;
• If you suffer from Epileptics you should avoid basil, rosemary, eucalyptus & Sage;
• If you are Pregnant DO NOT USE ANY Essential Oils AT ALL!!!!!!!;
• Anyone with sensitive skin should avoid basil, lemongrass, thyme and tea tree oils;

Essential oils have all got droppers inserted in the bottle for control of measurements. Oils have different texture and some like peppermint and rosemary are like water but myrrh and patchouli are A thick oil like honey.  So just be careful when using and measuring the oils even though they all will have a dropper in them, because the different oils will flow differently. 

 

Make sure that you always put the cap back on tightly.  And a word of advice, Most Citrus oils, like lemon, grapefruit and orange, will have to be use quicker as they do not last as long once they are opened, once they start turning cloudy they have started to deteriorate

 

Many people are still asking what is aromatherapy used for and what are the uses of aromatherapy?  The answer to that is, aromatherapy is used for many things, and as for the uses of aromatherapy there are unlimited boundless, benefits, and remedies.

                                                   

People who have the wisdom for better health and research aromatherapy find out that the pure essences from the aromatic plants are well renowned for their health giving properties and heady scents and there potent essences are a natural gift to your body, mind and spirit.  Aromatherapy is truly an ancient art and using pure and natural essential oils to enhance mood, ameliorate aliments or to promote good health and emotional wellbeing. The benefits that one can achieve from using Aromatherapy are endless. It can benefit you if you have the common cold, too, helping with sore mussels, for uses of aromatherapy you can just go on and on till you run out of pen….

 

Aromatherapy is a gift from the ancient arts using the pure and natural essential oil recipes to promote good health, emotional wellbeing, enhance moods and help remove health ailments.  Aromatherapy is a gentle art but it is a very broad subject ranging from the pleasures of enjoying heady scents to special treatments requiring professional skills.

 

Using aromatherapy and essential oils on a daily basis can be as simple as giving yourself a invigorating bath, to, improving your circulation or just to give your home a pleasant aroma. Giving a full body massage using a variety of essential oil recipes depending on what kind of mood you are in, or if it is just for pleasure or for an aliment that you are trying to heal is also a fantastic use.  Aromatherapy can also help promote better digestion, and can be used as a fantastic vaporizer to help relieve a head cold.

 

Aromatherapy has grown so much over the last few century’s, and I think the reason for that would be, how gentle and natural the benefits are when your are trying  to heal your body, mind and spirit, because I think most people all around the world are all looking for a much more healthier and natural life. Some say that resurgence of aromatherapy is because of the gentle and natural approach to healing and the soothing effects on your whole body. This therapy treats people as a single unique person, rather than a collection of unconnected parts.

 

How does aromatherapy work is too, in-depth, to go into in one article so I will be breaking it down into many different forms I will be also giving you essential oil recipes  and explaining what aromatherapy usages are best for.