BASIC CARE APPLICATIONS
BASIC CARE OILS
For basic care, your oils should include Lavender, Peppermint, Chamomile, Tea Tree, Thyme, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Geranium, Lemon & Clove. Also, have on hand some aloe vera, witch hazel and rosewater. Aloe vera is especially good for cuts, inflammation and burns and is well known for its healing powers. Witch hazel is known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties and rosewater is used for its mild antiseptic and soothing properties.
Essential oils in the pure form are too highly concentrated to be used directly on the skin, therefore, it is necessary to find yourself a good base (or carrier) oil. Essential oils are diluted in a base oil so that they can be massaged or rubbed into the skin in the correct dosage. A good base oil would be Sweet Almond oil, Apricot Kernel oil, corn oil, Grapeseed oil, Hazelnut oil, Peanut oil, Safflower oil, Soya Bean oil or Sunflower oil (as all of these may be used at 100% meaning no other base oil is needed).
Also, vegetable oils are produced for food and are a good source of nutrients and energy. They enable the body to produce heat and are a good source of protein. The vegetable oils used in Aromatherapy should be cold pressed, as the oils on your supermarket shelves may have been processed with a chemical agent.
BASIC CARE APPLICATIONS
ABDOMINAL PAIN
For the upper abdominal area, apply the following oils over the painful area in a clockwise direction:
Peppermint - 3 drops / Clove - 2 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
For the lower abdominal area, apply the following oils over the painful area in a clockwise direction:
Thyme - 2 drops / Eucalyptus - 3 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
ABRASIONS
Clean the area with 5 drops of lavender diluted in a bowl of warm water. Apply one drop of lavender directly on abrasion and leave to heal.
ABSCESSES
Make a compress using the following oils and apply it to the swollen area twice a day:
Lavender - 2 drops / Tea Tree - 2 drops / Chamomile - 3 drops
ATHLETE'S FOOT
Make up a mixture of 2 drops Tea Tree and 1 drop Lavender, dip a cotton wool ball into it and rub it between the toes and around the nails. Also, make the following massage oil and rub it over the feet with special attention to the toes:
Tea Tree - 5 drops / Lemon - 1 drop > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
BLACK EYES
Dilute 1 drop of Geranium and 1 drop Chamomile in 2 teaspoons Witch Hazel and blend together well. Add this to 1 tablespoon ice-cold water, mix well and soak cotton wool balls or cotton wool pads in it. Close your eye and apply a ball or pad to the eyelid and surrounding area.
BLEEDING
For bleeding from an open wound, apply a compress of the following:
Geranium - 1 drop / Lemon - 1 drop / Chamomile - 1 drop
BLEEDING GUMS
Make up the following mixture. Add it to a glass of warm water and use as a mouthwash. Do Not Swallow!
Lemon - 2 drops / Lavender - 1 drop / Eucalyptus - 2 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon of brandy
BLISTERS
Apply directly to blister 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Chamomile, Pat in thoroughly but carefully.
BLISTERS FROM SCALDS & BURNS
DO NOT PIERCE BLISTER! Put directly on blister 1 drop of Lavender and then hold an ice cube on it for at least 10 minutes. Cover with a piece of dry, clean gauze. Repeat up to 3 times a day.
BOILS
Put 1 drop of Red Thyme onto a hot compress and apply twice a day to draw out the pus. After the pus has been dispelled, apply a little of the following oil over the affected area twice a day:
Lavender - 3 drops / Red Thyme - 2 drops / Tea Tree - 2 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
BRUISES
Make up two bowls of water - one hot and one cold. Add the following to both bowls:
Lavender - 2 drops / Rosemary - 3 drops / Geranium - 1 drop
Also, soak a washcloth in each bowl and apply them alternately to the bruised and surrounding area. Then apply a small amount of the following:
Geranium - 2 drops / Rosemary - 2 drops / Lavender - 1 drop > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
BURNS
Apply ice-cold water for at least 10 minutes. Immediately put 2 drops of lavender directly onto the burn. Put 5 drops of lavender on a dry, cold compress and cover the area. Repeat as needed.
CATARRH
(INFLAMMATION OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANES IN THE NOSE OR AIR PASSAGES)
Use steam inhalation. Fill a bowl with hot water and put the following oils on top of the water and inhale for at least 10 minutes. Keep your eyes closed.
Rosemary - 1 drop / Peppermint - 2 drops / Tea Tree - 1 drop
Also, rub your chest and back with the following:
Tea Tree - 2 drops / Rosemary - 2 drops / Eucalyptus - 5 drops / Thyme - 1 drop > diluted in 2 teaspoons base oil
Use the oils on tissues and inhale when needed. Use any of the above oils.
CHAPPED LIPS
Apply directly to the lips:
Chamomile - 2 drops / Geranium - 2 drops > mixed well with 2 teaspoons Aloe Vera Gel
CHAPPED SKIN
Make up the following oil and massage over the chapped area, including the face if affected:
Geranium - 10 drops / Chamomile - 10 drops / Lemon - 5 drops / Lavender - 5 drops > diluted in 2 teaspoons base oil
CHILBLAINS
(INFLAMMATORY SWELLING OF THE FEET OR HANDS CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO COLD)
Apply 1 drop of geranium to the affected area, usually the toes or fingers. Do this for 2 days then massage with the following:
Geranium - 5 drops / Lavender - 1 drop / Rosemary - 1 drop > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
COLD SORES
Put 1 drop Geranium on a cotton ball and apply it directly to the sore as soon as it is detected. Repeat every day. Also, massage the whole body including the face and neck with the following:
Geranium - 10 drops / Lavender - 10 drops / Thyme - 2 drops / Lemon - 8 drops > diluted in 2 tablespoons base oil
COMMON COLDS
Use the following oils in a hot bath. Lie back and inhale deeply.
Thyme - 2 drops / Tea Tree - 2 drops / Eucalyptus - 1 drop / Lemon - 3 drops
For steam inhalation, fill a bowl with hot water and add 1 drop each of the following: Thyme, Tea Tree, Lavender and Clove.
Also, carry a tissue on which you have one drop each of the following: Red Thyme, Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Clove. Inhale deeply whenever possible.
Massage around the neck, chest and sinus area with the following:
Lemon - 1 drop / Eucalyptus - 2 drops / Rosemary - 3 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
CONSTIPATION
Massage in a clockwise direction over the lower abdomen 3 times a day with the following:
Rosemary - 15 drops / Lemon - 10 drops / Peppermint - 5 drops > diluted in 2 tablespoons base oil
COUGHS
For a DRY COUGH, mix 2 drops of Eucalyptus and 2 drops of Lemon with 2 tablespoons Honey. Take 1 teaspoon of this and dilute in a glass of warm water. Sip it slowly.
For steam inhalation, use 3 drops of Lavender.
Massage over the back and chest with the following:
Eucalyptus - 3 drops / Thyme - 2 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
For a COUGH WITH MUCOUS, follow the treatment above except for the drink. For this type of cough, mix the following oils into the tablespoon of honey:
Eucalyptus - 2 drops / Thyme - 1 drop / Tea Tree - 1 drop > blend together and use 1 drop only
CUTS AND WOUNDS
Put 3 drops of Lavender on a piece of gauze and place it over the cut. Renew it twice a day and expose the cut or wound to air on the third day if possible.
DENTAL ABSCESS
Put 1 drop of Chamomile on a cotton ball and apply directly to the abscess. Also rub over the jaw and cheek area with the following:
Lavender - 3 drops / Tea Tree - 2 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
DIARRHEA
Drink large quantities of water. Diarrhea is usually caused by food, nerves or viral infections. Follow the same treatment for each but use the oils which are appropriate to your particular condition. Massage the folowing combinations over the whole abdomen area.
FOOD RELATED:
Chamomile - 2 drops / Peppermint - 3 drops / Eucalyptus - 1 drop > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
NERVES RELATED:
Chamomile - 1 drop / Eucalyptus - 2 drops / Lavender - 3 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
VIRAL INFECTION RELATED:
Thyme - 3 drops / Lavender - 2 drops / Tea Tree - 1 drop > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
Make a drink by adding 1 drop of Peppermint - for food and nerve related conditions - or 1 drop of Eucalyptus - for viral related conditions - to 1 teaspoon of Honey and diluting it in a glass of warm water. Sip slowly.
EAR INFECTIONS
Treat as for Earache but use these different oils. For the ear plug, substitute the following oils:
Tea Tree - 3 drops / Thyme - 1 drop / Lavender - 2 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
EARACHE
For general earaches, warm 1 teaspoon of olive oil and add 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Chamomile; blend well. Soak a piece of cotton wool in this and use it to plug the ear.
Also, use the following to massage around the ear area, the neck and across the cheekbone:
Chamomile - 3 drops / Lavender - 1 drop / Tea Tree - 1 drop > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
Applying a warm compress to the cheek and ear area after massaging also eases the pain.
FAINTING
Unconscious: untie any tight clothing and raise the legs higher than the head. Hold the open bottle of oil under the person's nose: use Lavender, Rosemary or Peppermint.
When consciousness is regained, give the person a drink made by adding one drop of Lemon essential oil to a teaspoon of Honey and dissolving it in a cup of hot water. This should be sipped slowly. Also, put 2 drops of any of the oils listed above onto a tissue to be inhaled.
FAINTING FROM EXHAUSTION OR FATIGUE
Treat as above, followed as soon as possible by a warm bath to which you add the following:
Chamomile - 2 drops / Lavender - 1 drop / Geranium - 1 drop
Bed rest should follow immediately.
FROSTBITE
Massage up to 5 drops of geranium directly onto the affected area. Alternatively, use Lavender. When the person is warm, massage the are with the following:
Geranium - 4 drops / Clove - 2 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
GINGIVITIS
Prepare a mouthwash by adding 1 teaspoon of the mixture below to a glass of warm water. Swish well around the mouth - DO NOT SWALLOW!
Thyme - 3 drops / Eucalyptus - 2 drops / Chamomile - 3 drops / Peppermint - 3 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon brandy
Also mix 3 drops of Chamomile and 2 drops of Lavender into 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel and smooth a little over the gums.
HALITOSIS (BAD BREATH!)
This problem is usually caused by factors other than breath itself. These are some of the oils that can help. Dilute the 4 drops of oil in 1 teaspoon of brandy and then put into a tumbler of warm water and use as a mouthwash.
DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS:
Peppermint - 2 drops / Lemon - 2 drops
GUM DISEASE:
Tea Tree - 2 drops / Thyme - 2 drops
GENERAL:
Lavender - 4 drops
HAY FEVER
Put 1 drop each of Chamomile and Lemon oils onto a tissue and inhale. Hay fever usually affects people in different ways. Treatment is often a case of trial and error. Experiment with the oils. Add the following combination to baths:
Chamomile - 2 drops / Lemon - 2 drops / Lavender - 1 drop
Massage the neck, chest and back with the following:
Chamomile - 2 drops / Geranium - 1 drop / Lemon - 1 drop > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
HEADACHES
GENERAL HEADACHES - FOR NO APPARENT REASON:
Massage around the temples, the base of the skull and along the hair line with 1 drop of the following combination of oils:
Lavender - 3 drops / Peppermint - 1 drop > diluted with 1 drop of base oil
GASTRIC HEADACHE:
This if often caused by eating the wrong foods. Mix 1 drop of Peppermint with a teaspoon of Honey dissolved in a glass of warm water and sip.
Massage the back of the neck with 1 drop of the following combination of oils:
Rosemary - 1 drop / Peppermint - 2 drops / Lavender - 1 drop
Inhale 1 drop of the above listed combination on a tissue or use 3 drops in a steam inhalation.
NERVOUS HEADACHE:
Follow the treatment for "General Headaches" but use these oils instead:
Lavender - 3 drops / Chamomile - 1 drop > combine and use 1 drop
Also massage over the solar plexus (upper abdomen) in a clockwise direction using the following:
Geranium - 1 drop / Lemon - 2 drops / Lavender - 3 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
HEARTBURN
Add 1 drop of Peppermint to a teaspoon of Honey and dissolve in a cup of warm water; sip slowly. Also rub the upper abdominal area with the following:
Eucalyptus - 2 drops / Peppermint - 3 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
HICCUPS
Put 1 drop of Chamomile in a brown paper bag and hold it over your nose and mouth. Breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose.
INFLUENZA
Treatment needs to be quick and is aimed at raising immunity levels as well as combating the virus. If you are shivery and cold and feel that you have the onset of something more than a common cold, take a warm bath to which the following oils have been added:
Tea Tree - 5 drops / Lavender - 2 drops / Thyme - 2 drops
Then massage your whole body with the following and go to bed:
Tea Tree - 2 drops / Eucalyptus - 3 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
Spray your bedroom with Thyme and Lavender. Drink fluids and make a special drink by using 1 drop of the following blend, adding it to a teaspoon of Honey and diluting it in a cup of hot water. Sip the drink slowly.
Clove - 1 drop / Lavender - 2 drops > combine and use 1 drop per drink
INSECT BITES
Remove the stinger if there is one and apply Lavender directly to the site.
LARYNGITIS
Use steam inhalation with the following oils added:
Chamomile - 2 drops / Lavender - 3 drops / Thyme - 1 drop
Massage all over the neck area and behind the ears with the following:
Chamomile - 5 drops / Thyme - 1 drop / Lemon - 2 drops > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
To reduce soreness, make a drink by adding 2 drops of Lemon and 1 drop of Lavender to 2 teaspoons of Honey and mixing it into a glass of Rosewater which has been boiled.
LUMBAGO
Put the following oils onto a hot compress and apply to the lower back:
Rosemary - 3 drops / Clove - 1 drop / Eucalyptus - 1 drop
When the compress becomes cold, replace it with another. Do this at least 3 times a day.
Massage the lower back and into the crevice of the buttocks with:
Peppermint - 3 drops / Rosemary - 5 drops / Chamomile - 2 drops > diluted in 2 teaspoons base oil
PALPITATIONS
Put the following oils on a tissue and inhale:
Lavender - 2 drops / Chamomile - 1 drop / Geranium - 2 drops
Massage over the whole torso regularly every night with the following:
Lavender - 10 drops / Chamomile - 10 drops / Rosemary - 3 drops / Lemon - 7 drops > diluted in 2 tablespoons base oil
And, before going to bed, take a warm bath to which you have added 2 drops Lemon and 2 drops of Chamomile.
SHOCK
This can be treated as for "Fainting" as well as by massaging the body before bed with the following:
Lemon - 3 drops / Geranium - 2 drops / Lavender - 1 drop > diluted in 2 teaspoons base oil
SINUSITIS
Use the following combination of oils in a steam inhalation:
Rosemary - 3 drops / Thyme - 1 drop / Peppermint - 1 drop
Make a blend using the following proportions and put 1 drop on a tissue and inhale:
Rosemary - 2 drops / Geranium - 1 drop / Eucalyptus - 1 drop
Blend the oils below and use 5 drops only in each massage. Massage around the neck, behind and in front of the ears, over the cheekbone, the nose and forehead:
Rosemary - 5 drops / Geranium - 5 drops / Eucalyptus - 2 drops / Peppermint - 3 drops > blend together and use 5 drops per teaspoon of base oil
STIES
First, prepare the liquid needed for a hot compress. Boil 2 teaspoons Rosewater and add 1 drop of Chamomile. Strain this liquid through a paper coffee filter and leave to cool slightly.
Next, put 1 drop of Lavender on a cotton ball and smear it on the cheekbone, under the sty - keeping the eye well closed.
Soak cotton-wool pad in the Rosewater and Chamomile liquid and put it on your closed eyelid. Leave until cool. Repeat the procedure twice a day for 3 days.
TOOTHACHE
Put 1 drop of Clove on a cotton ball and apply it to the gum around the tooth or into the crevices on either side. Massage the jawbone and cheek with:
Clove - 1 drop / Chamomile - 3 drops / Lemon - 1 drop > diluted in 1 teaspoon base oil
In severe cases, a hot compress can help. Use 3 drops of Chamomile in hot water and soak the material or cotton wool in this, then apply to the affected area. If the nerves are not exposed, applying ice to the cheek can also bring relief.
* NOTE: I am not a doctor, so please, check with your family physician for any condition that persists. These are only recommendations on treating certain, basic illnesses at home.
