Another warming oil is black pepper. Its intense properties and pungent smell, blended with a base oil to create a muscle rub, will get the circulation moving and ease stiff joints, general aches and pains, and colds. Alternatively, add this essential oil to a warm aromatherapy bath (remembering the cautions about each essential oil) during winter. During a bath, the therapeutic actions of these precious oils are two-fold: they are absorbed through the skin and can enter the circulatory system, which can become sluggish during winter. The added bonus is that their aromas are inhaled, increasing feelings of warmth and well-being.
In the cold winter months, when we are covered up with heavy clothes, the skin tends to become dry and the circulation sluggish. Start off with a skin-brushing session before taking a shower, and then use appropriate stimulating aromatherapy oils on a sponge or washcloth. This will stimulate circulation and improve lymphatic drainage, which in turn will improve skin texture. This method exfoliates dead top skin layers, helps regenerate cells, and allows body lotions and creams to be absorbed more easily.
For toning the skin, use refreshing cypress. For a stimulating shower, use cleansing and energizing pine or toning essence of rosemary. During this time of the year, lymphatic congestion can become a problem, so geranium, with its soothing and balancing qualities, used regularly with a friction mitt, will help improve lymphatic drainage. Do not rub too hard if skin is sensitive. If carried out regularly, this regimen will also help get the circulation going. If you can stand it, an invigorating cold shower afterward will help stimulate the lymphatic system, getting it moving and boosting circulation and cleansing the system of toxic wastes as well. If you are using pine oil, avoid high concentrations, as sensitization is possible.
Do not use the above oils without first blending them in a carrier base, and be careful not to use too much, as they are very concentrated and can irritate sensitive skin.
“One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin.”
William Shakespeare
Aromatherapists are trained to view the mind, body, and spirit as a whole, and they treat their clients in a holistic way. When one part of the body is out of balance, it is a reflection of disharmony within the whole system. This is in tune with the Hippocratic philosophy of a holistic approach to health that brings about balance between mind, body, and spirit. Using the appropriate oils with massage techniques and other treatments, an aromatherapist can help to unify their client’s mind, body, and spirit.
People consult aromatherapists for any number of health reasons, including prevention, in order to keep the body and mind in good health and balance. They also consult them for a wide range of beauty treatments. Nothing is more relaxing than a soothing aromatic massage by a skilled therapist, or a facial using aromatic beauty oils.
Specific essential oils have an affinity with certain organs and body systems, and when using essential oils at home for minor ailments, there are several ways to enjoy their benefits. They can be used for massage, which is the most popular method, as it enables absorption of the oils into the skin. Dilute your choice of essential oils in a base oil at the recommended proportion, which is usually about five drops to every 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of base oil. You can use these oils in the bath or vaporization to create different moods in the home. These are just some of the ways in which these versatile aromatherapy oils can be used to give pleasure and to enhance health and well-being.
This chapter deals with various types of mild health complaints and ways in which aromatherapy can help to treat them. For each problem, recommendations are made for essential oils, carrier bases and blends, and the various methods of application.
The Circulatory System
This system of the body consists mainly of the heart and a series of tubes that carry substances to and from different areas of the body. Every cell in the body must receive nourishment provided by the bloodstream. This system removes wastes via the kidneys, intestines, skin, and lungs. Aromatherapy places great emphasis on taking preventative measures, its philosophy being an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the circulatory system needs attention in order to prevent heart disease and related problems.
High Blood Pressure
Many people suffer from this condition, particularly in the West. Dietary factors play a large part in elevating blood pressure, as do stress, alcohol, too much salt, lack of exercise, and smoking. Some serious disorders that require medical attention are diseases of the kidneys and complications during pregnancy. These conditions can elevate blood pressure, and they are serious problems that must be dealt with by a medical doctor.
If blood pressure has become elevated due to stress or stress-related conditions such as nervous tension or anxiety, the following blends can help alleviate strain, worry, and tension. These calming oil blends are helpful in relieving both emotional and physical tension.
• Two or three drops of marjoram in a blend. This oil is a vasodilator that seems to lower high blood pressure by dilating arteries and small capillaries, allowing the blood to flow more easily.
• Two drops of oil of bergamot, whose key actions are relaxing and soporific, can influence blood pressure in a positive way.
• One drop of neroli, with its hypnotic properties, will help to soothe and calm down overwrought emotional states.
• Three drops of ylang-ylang are helpful to use when in need of relaxation, as this essence is excellent for high-strung, excitable conditions. This essential oil has the ability to regulate adrenaline, easing its flow. The euphoric, yet relaxing, aroma calms mental tension. This oil is an example of the adaptogenic qualities some essential oils have.
These essential oils can be blended in about 2 to 3 teaspoons (10 to 15 ml) of the carrier of your choice. A luxurious way to enjoy their aroma that helps you to de-stress and relax is bathing with a suitable essential oil.
Body massage is another way to use essential oils therapeutically when trying to lower high blood pressure. Simply rub the blended mixture in the palm of your hand to make sure it is evenly distributed. Apply it to the body using a massage technique.
Vaporizing oils is a way to create a perfumed ambience. Essence burners have a lower compartment for a candle and a small saucer on top, filled with water, into which a few drops of the oil are added. The heat from the candle evaporates the water and oil, releasing and vaporizing the aroma into the atmosphere.
A weekly aroma-massage is very relaxing and therapeutic for this condition, and it may bring blood pressure down to normal levels. This is a condition that can be related to high stress levels, so it may not even need drug therapy provided by a medical doctor.
Low Blood Pressure
This condition can be the result of a thyroid problem, and it must first be diagnosed by a medical doctor. Individuals prone to low blood pressure can experience dizziness and fainting due to interruption of the blood to the brain. The oils to use for low blood pressure are from the stimulating group. They can help rebalance the circulatory system and may help to elevate blood pressure. If you have a thyroid problem, do not stop any medication that has been prescribed without consulting a medical doctor.
• For a blend that can help elevate blood pressure, blend two drops of black pepper, with its warming aroma, with 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of your chosen carrier.
• Two drops of stimulating and restorative peppermint, blended with 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of a suitable base oil, can help to elevate blood pressure.
• Another blend that can be tried is two drops rosemary added to a base oil that helps the circulatory system. The fresh, green fragrance of this stimulating oil is ideal for use when the circulatory system is out of balance.
Daily baths using combinations of the above oils blended into a base are excellent for helping to improve the circulation of this condition and assisting low blood pressure. A stimulating aroma-massage will also prove therapeutic. Another way to help regulate this condition is to put rosemary in an essence burner so that you can inhale
the flow of this stimulating oil.
Aroma Helpers: Sedatives for High BP clary sage, marjoram, and ylang-ylang
Aroma Helpers: Stimulators for Low BP peppermint, pine, and rosemary
The Dermatological System
The skin is the largest organ of the body and acts as a barrier between the body’s internal organs and the environment. It consists of two main regions: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outer layer that consists chiefly of dead, dry, flattened cells. These constantly shed and more cells are produced from the layer of living cells below the epidermis. This layer is called the dermis, a deeper layer, made up of living cells. The dermis performs a number of functions, but the two principal ones are absorption and elimination. The skin gets rid of waste products and toxins.
This system is prone to many ailments and needs a lot of care to keep it in good condition.
Acne
This distressing skin problem damages self-confidence. Acne is caused by the overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands, combined with a bacterial infection. This skin condition can strike at any age, but is most common during puberty, when hormones become active and can become imbalanced, and it can also occur during menopause. Acne is most commonly found on the face, but the back and chest can also be affected, because these areas have a lot of sebaceous glands.
Acne can be helped by using essential oils. Most oils have antiseptic qualities that can help treat acne-prone skin, but good hygiene is vital to prevent constant recurrence of spots and pustules.
HIT THE SPOT WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
• Bergamot’s balancing and antiseptic qualities are excellent for skin care, especially for blemished or oily skin. Use in a steam facial to cleanse the pores and heal the skin. Nonirritating in dilution, but can cause photosensitivity.
• Petitgrain, with its sharp, green, and orange-like aroma, can be used in a facial sauna for problems such as acne.
• Chamomile is an excellent oil to use in skin care due to its anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve inflamed and itchy skin.
• Geranium’s astringent qualities can clear toxins from the body, and its antiseptic action helps to control acne.
• Juniper is considered to be a toning and purifying oil that opens clogged pores and cleanses greasy, unhealthy skin.
• Lavender can be used neat on acne and any scars that may have resulted.
• Lemon, with its tangy, citrus fragrance, clarifies greasy skin and supports the liver, which is a detoxification organ. It is good for lymphatic cleansing. Use lemon blended with a base oil.
• Patchouli’s astringent and antiseptic actions can aid in the treatment of oily skin and acne.
• Tea tree oil is a useful as an antibacterial and antifungal oil that is widely used for acne and blemish-prone skin. Tea tree oil helps reduce inflammation.
Add two drops of any of the above essential oils to 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of a light carrier, follow with a splash of skin lotion made from ten drops of calming lavender oil to 3.5 tablespoons (50 ml) of spring water to help heal acne. Dab individual pustules and spots with neat lavender or tea tree oil.
In nutritional medicine, it is believed that the skin acts as a third kidney. Acne, therefore, according to this theory, is linked to a system that is overloaded with toxins that the body is trying to clear, but which it has been unable to do via the normal channels of elimination.
Minor Skin Problems
For minor abrasions, scratches, mild burns, and stings, the therapeutic properties of the following oils are helpful:
Lavender: This popular oil can be used where there has been a cut, burn, or sting, due to its antibacterial properties. In the case of abrasions, scratches, and mild burns or stings, apply it neat as soon as possible to prevent infection.
Niaouli: This antibacterial oil, when mixed with carrier oil, will prevent infection on any minor skin condition.
Eucalyptus: Apply this antiseptic oil, mixed with a carrier, to soothe any of the above mild skin problems.
Boils and Abscesses These are infected pus-filled swellings. If large, they may need medical treatment to clear them up. They take a few days to develop, during which time they cause pain, inflammation, and tenderness. Hot compresses to “draw out the boil” made from lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus oil will encourage the boil or abscess to open and to speed up healing. Niaouli’s disinfectant action also helps, due to its antibacterial properties. Lemon or chamomile used in a hot compress can also be used. Add one drop of three of these oils to 7 tablespoons (100 ml) of hot water and use a clean piece of cotton, soaked in hot water. Wring this out and hold against the boil until the compress cools down. Repeat this several times a day. The heat will bring the boil to a head. Cleanse the surrounding area with neat tea tree oil and apply neat tea tree to the boil. When it opens, use lavender to cleanse and heal the wound. Treat the area daily with four drops of juniper and regular baths to detoxify the system, since boils and abscesses are a symptom of a system clogged with toxic wastes.
Tooth Abscess Use a cotton swab to apply some antiseptic clove oil on a painful tooth. This can provide some temporary relief from toothache, but severe pain is a sign that the tooth has developed an infection or an abscess, usually in the root area, and needs the attention of a dentist.
Cellulite This resembles dimpled, “orange peel” skin. It mainly affects women and seems related to female hormones. Cellulite forms on the upper arms, hips, buttocks, and thighs, and its distinctive, puckered, lumpy appearance can also appear on the stomach and knees. These nodules of fat are caused by poor circulation leading to a buildup of toxins and fluid due to poor elimination. Characterized by water retention and toxic wastes in the connective tissue surrounding the fat cells, cellulite is unattractive, so women spend fortunes on commercially produced creams in the hope that they will remove it. The tissue around these cells tends to harden causing the unsightly bumpy and uneven skin. Linked to lymphatic congestion as well as poor circulation, aromatherapy aims to stimulate the lymphatic system, balance the hormones, and reduce water retention. The following oils are suggested to help reduce fluid buildup. Cellulite is notoriously difficult to get rid of, but regular exfoliation, skin brushing with sea salt, and the addition of appropriate essential oils will at least effect some improvement.
Anti-Cellulite Oils The essential oils juniper, lavender, and lemongrass blended in a softening cold-pressed vegetable oil base, can be used on a regular basis. Massage firmly onto the skin concentrating on areas that are prone to cellulite. Massage encourages absorption of the oils into the epidermis, enhancing the cleansing effect, stimulating circulation, and helping to improve the appearance of this lumpy “orange peel” skin. Regular massage may be enhanced by the use of a massage mitten or loofah. This massage is most beneficial if used after a warm bath. Regular lymphatic massages and bathing, using cleansing essential oils—in particular, grapefruit with its diuretic properties—will help reduce fluid retention and cellulite. Perseverance should help clear up the condition, although it will take time, because cellulite is stubborn. At the same time, a cleansing diet should be followed.
Cypress, geranium, grapefruit, or lemon can also be tried in a synergistic blend in a light base oil.
Eczema Essential oils that are cleansing and anti-inflammatory, such as chamomile, geranium, and lavender, blended with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vegetable oil and applied to the affected area, can help to soothe this condition. Be cautious, however, as some people with eczema are allergic to all perfumes, even essential oils.
Psoriasis This skin problem is related to the immune system and is called an auto-immune disease. This occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive and attacks the body, or, in this case, the skin. Psoriasis is a mysterious condition that is not well understood by mainstream medicine. It seems to get worse with stress, can be in remission for a long time, and then flares up again. Alternative natural health practitioners and practitioners of nutritional medicine
believe that this condition is related to a “leaky gut.” Essential oils have been found to be helpful.
Psoriasis Blend Carrier oils—avocado or wheatgerm or evening primrose oil—with a few drops added of chamomile or bergamot to reduce inflammation, and juniper to improve circulation. Lavender can be added instead of one of these oils.
This blend may not work for everyone who suffers from psoriasis as it is a difficult skin problem that does not always respond well to creams, whether alternative or orthodox. It is a case of trial and error until the right mixture is found, but the therapeutic effect of aromatherapy oils is worth a try. When the correct blend for the individual who has the condition is found, improvements can occur, so do not give up.
Stretch Marks Although stretch marks are not a dermatological problem, they are unsightly and women do not like them. They can appear after weight loss, pregnancy, or teenage growth spurts. A massage blend made up of a carrier oil of your choice and the oils neroli and mandarin will help to heal even old stretch marks. For best results, apply once a day. Rose oil is good for stretch marks and scars.
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