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Aroma-Therapy

 


Photo by volant on Unsplash

Disclaimer

Aromatherapy is a popular hobby around the world. It is sometimes recognised in mainstream medicine. Aromatherapy is a complimentary application only. Check for allergies by placing a little of your mixture on your wrist before use. Do not use the oils neat. The oils are pure and they must be mixed in a certain ratio with a carrier oil or water. Use at your own risk. The author takes no responsibility to reactions of any kind occurring to the body or mind during use of essential oils. If using an oil burner or scented candle be careful with the flame. If unsure please check with your doctor. Make sure you buy your oils pure from a reputable vendor. 

Aroma-Therapy

Did you know that aroma-therapy is recognised by modern medicine. Well it is, and it's a lovely thing to do. Engaging the senses is awesome and here are ways to experiment with your sense of smell: There are many types of essential oils within this article containing some of my favourites and more. I hope you ejoy mixing and using your essential oils. 


Ways to use Aroma-Therapy


Oil Burner. 


To use an oil burner add some carrier oil to an oil burner and add a few drops of essential oil of your choice. Then place a tea-light candle within and voila! Be careful it is out of the way of anything flammable and do not leave unattended. 

Reed diffuser

The reeds sit in the jar of enhanced essential oil and soak the fragrance up and diffuse it into the room. 

USB operated diffuser

Place essential oil and water into a battery operated diffuser as per instructions and voila, aroma! 

Topical

You can put a few drops of essential oil in a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond or avocado and use it as a massage oil or even shower oil. (20 drops, per 100 ml of carrier oil; That is 15 drops per ounce of carrier oil). 

In the bath

Likewise you can add a few drops of essential oil to your bath for a relaxing soak. 

Scented candles

You can buy these, or get into making them and you get the bonus of a beautiful scent as well as an attractive candle. For safety use the candles that come in jars and be careful there's nothing flammable and don't leave unattended. 
Incense

You can burn incense for the aroma and to spiritually cleanse your space. It's cheap, easy and effective. Plus there a lot's and lot's of aromas to choose from.  but it isn't advisable to do it all the time as it gives off carcinogens and, we know those are bad for you.  

In Products

You may already have products such as shampoo that have fragrances added and if you're happy with those then that's fine. But home made products may contain less chemicals and be more environmentally friendly. Pus they can smell nice. This for example is an all purpose cleaning spray to use in the kitchen and bathroom etc. Do not add anything else to this specifically without research because certain mixes such as bleach can cause dangerous chemical reactions. 

Spray Cleaner 

1/2 Cup of white vinegar
2 Tablespoons of Bicarb
10 drops lavender or tea-tree essential oil. 

There are more recipes for cleaning your home here. 

Perfume

Did you know you can make your own perfume? Well you can. And here is the recipe:

15 ml jojoba or almond oil
75 ml vodka
2 Tablespoons of distilled water
25 drops essential oils: 

7 drops of base notes
7 drops of middle notes
7 drops top notes
2 drops bridge notes.

You will need a dark amber glass bottle to make and store your perfume in. 

Method: 

Add the jojoba or almond oil to the bottle

Add the essential oils in this order: 

1. Bass notes
2. Middle notes
3. Top notes
4. Bridge notes. (Optional)

Add the Vodka. 

Shake the bottle and then let it sit for 6 weeks. 

Then after the six weeks add the distilled water, shake and use. 

Store away from heat and light. 

Here is a link to an essential oils blending chart so that you can choose your fragrances: 



Aroma-Therapy Deodorant

Well as you you use deodorant every day, why not add a dash of self-care into it by making your own aroma blend. It's cheaper, more natural and more environmentally friendly too. For this project you will need a 60 ml glass amber bottle. 

Ingredients

2 Tbs Vodka
2 Tbs distilled water 
5 drops Rose
5 drops Jasmine
5 drops Lavender 
5 drops orange. 

Method

How to distill water. 

Distilled water is easy to make and it cuts out using a big plastic bottle from the supermarket, so please distill your own water. The bonus being that it's totally free! All you have to do is get a medium sized saucepan, fill it 3/4 of tap water, place it on the stove, float a bowl in the water. Turn the saucepan lid upside-down on the pot. Then place an ice-brick or some ice-cubes on the lid. Turn the flame onto medium and simmer for about 10 minutes, checking occasionally. Be very careful when removing the lid as it will be very hot. Ladle the water out of the bowl into a clean jug and place it in the fridge until it is cold and you're ready to use. 

Combine all of the ingredients in the amber bottle and leave to prove for anywhere from 48 hours to 6 weeks. Then you're good to go.  Shake before use. 


Men's Cologne

Follow the instructions for the aroma-therapy deodorant only choose from some or all of the following oils:

  • Frankincense 
  • Lime 
  • Cedarwood 
  • Bergamot
  • Ylang Ylang

Aroma-therapy for Self Care



Frankincense: 

  1. Astringent
  2. Anti-inflammatory
  3. Boosts immune system
  4. Balances hormones
  5. Balances and tones aging skin (and even scars, always use diluted in carrier oil)
  6. Promote sleep and relaxation
  7. Treats dandruff.
  8. Use as a room deodoriser


Myrrh

  1. Kills bacteria
  2. Supports oral health
  3. Supports skin health
  4. reduces pain and swelling. 
  5. Anti-oxidant
  6. Effected when added to sunscreen. 
  7. May treat cancer. 
  8. May be good for gut-health

Lavender

  1. Anti-oxidant
  2. Complimentary diabetes treatment
  3. Stress relief
  4. Mood enhancer
  5. Brain function
  6. Antiseptic
  7. Skin
  8. Hair
  9. headaches
  10. Insomnia
  11. Pain relief
  12. Complimentary treatment for cancer

Ylang Ylang

  1. Mood enhancer
  2. Relief from anxiety 
  3. Anti-depressant
  4. Reduce high blood pressure
  5. Decrease heart-rate. 
Rose

  1. Eases pain and menstrual cramps
  2. Good for stress
  3. Antiseptic
  4. Improve libido


Jasmine


  1. Better sleep
  2. stress relief
  3. Dry skin disorders
  4. Antiseptic

Lemon
  1. Anti-anxiety
  2. Anti-depressant
  3. Antiseptic
  4. Relief from morning sickness
  5. Alertness. 

Orange

  1. Mood enhancer
  2. Stress relief
  3. Pain and inflammation
  4. Room deodoriser
  5. Settled tummy




Peppermint


  1. Coughs, colds and flu's.
  2. Insect repellent
  3. Inflammation
  4. Nausea.  

Sandalwood. 

  1. Inflammation
  2. Anxiety
  3. wounds
  4. Skin-cancer prevention
  5. Antiseptic. 

Do Aroma-therapy make some perfume, deodorant, body-spray, hair-treatment or even Spray and Clean in the kitchen etc. Label your mixes so you can experiment with different scents. Use as complimentary medicine and relaxation. Plus have a lovely smelling home.  If you are thinking of getting more into essential oils there are some blending and mixing ratios in this article here. Keep safe and Happy New Year! 

References

About Ylang Ylang essential oil, https://www.healthline.com/health/ylang-ylang#_noHeaderPrefixedContent, accessed 27th/12/2023

The benefits of Rose oil and how to use it, https://www.healthline.com/health/rose-oil#1, accessed 27thDec/2023

4 Health Benifits of Jasmin Essential Oil, https://www.herbcottage.com.au/blogs/aromatherapy/jasmine-essential-oil#:~:text=Among%20a%20number%20of%20other,and%20even%20promote%20better%20sleep. Accessed 27th/Dec/2023

The health benefits of lemon, https://www.webmd.com/diet/lemon-oil-health-benefits, date accessed: 28th/Dec/2023

Orange essential oil, uses, benefits and safety, https://www.healthline.com/health/orange-essential-oil-uses, date accessed: 28th/Dec/2023

6 Benefits of peppermint oil, https://www.awo.com.au/blog/peppermint-essential-oil-uses-and-benefits, accessed: 28th/Dec/2023.

12 DIY Recipes to Spring Clean your Home with Essential oils, https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/recipes/recipes-to-spring-clean-your-home-with-essential-oils.html, accessed 21/12/2024

Dilution Guidelines for Essential Oil Safety, https://www.aromatics.com/en-au/blogs/wellness/dilution-guidelines-for-essential-oil-safety#:~:text=Adults%3A%20Usually%2C%20a%202%2D,%2D6%20drops%20per%20ounce). Accessed 31/12/2023

Blending and diluting Essential oils, https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/articles/blending-and-diluting-essential-oils.html, accessed 31st/12th/2023



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