essential oil uses


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Essential Oil Uses

The information contained herein is intended for reference only, and to the best of our knowledge is accurate and true. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease, or be a substitute for professional medical services. If conditions persist or worsen discontinue use and seek professional medical attention immediately. Any claims made have not been evaluated by the FDA.
General Safety Precautions:
> Essential oils, even when diluted, may cause skin irritation in some individuals - always spot-test a small area first on inside of elbow. Wait 20 minutes. If redness or rash develops wash area thoroughly with soap and water and discontinue use.
> Keep out of eyes. If eye contact is made flush with plenty of water.
> If your symptoms persist or worsen, discontinue use of whatever essential oil (product) you're using and seek medical attention.
> Ingesting a very small amount (1 - 3 drops) of most essential oils will usually not harm you, however, ingesting small amounts of some oils can be fatal, especially for a small child. Any accidental ingestion of any oil should be considered a danger and the poison control center should be called immediately!
> Do not use peppermint oil or menthol on children under 18 months old.

The following is a table listing common ailments, essential oils & methods of use:

Code	Method
L	Add 20 - 30 drops essential oil(s) total to an ounce of vegetable oil or unscented lotion and apply several times daily to affected area. Small amounts of cocoa butter, Vit. E, etc. can also be added to vegetable oil for skin ailments. Oils such as Tea Tree, Lavender & Helichrysum can be applied directly to wounds undiluted.
I	Add 2 - 3 drops essential oil(s) to a bowl of hot, steamy water and carefully inhale the vapors through the nose (for sinusitis) or mouth (for throat and lung ailments). Back away from bowl and breathe fresh air if vapors become too potent. Repeat 3 - 4 times a day as needed.
O	Smell the essential oils right out of the bottle, place a few drops on a handkerchief or washcloth, or sprinkle a few drops on pillows, blankets or bedcovers.
S	Add 2 - 3% essential oil(s) to laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid or castile soap. Mix well.
V	Use 5 - 10 drops essential oil(s) in the shower, vaporizer, or diffuser, or add 10 - 15 drops to 4 ounces water in a spray bottle - make sure to shake well before each use.

Ailment	Method	Essential Oil
Skin inflammations, rashes, cuts & scrapes, acne, burns, minor infections	L	Blue Tansy, Calendula CO₂, Chamomile (German & Roman), Helichrysum, Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood, Tamanu¹, Tea Tree
Aged skin, dry, cracked skin	L	Calendula CO₂, Carrot seed, Helichrysum, Lavender, Myrrh, Neroli, Palmarosa, Rose, Rose Hip Seed CO₂, Seabuckthorn Berry CO₂, Tamanu¹
Sinusitis, respiratory ailments, asthma	I, V, O	Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus globulus, Frankincense, Menthol², Mint (all types), Pine Needle, Rosemary verbenone
Fungal infections including jock itch, athletes foot and nail fungus	L	Geranium, Myrrh, Oregano³, Patchouli, Tea Tree, Thyme linalool, Thyme³
Restlessness, nervousness, hyperactivity, insomnia	O, V	Bergamot, Chamomile (German & Roman), Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin (Red), Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Spikenard
Muscle aches, joint aches, tendonitis, arthritis	L	Black Pepper, Cajeput, Camphor², Chamomile (German & Roman), Eucalyptus (all types), Helichrysum, Juniperberry, Menthol², Nutmeg, Peppermint, Plai, Spikenard, Turpentine, Wintergreen, Yarrow
Headaches, migraine	O, V	Chamomile (German & Roman), Citronella, Clary Sage, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint (all types)
Insect Repellant	L, V	Catnip, Cedarwood (Virginia & Texas), Citronella, Lavender, Lemon Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Yarrow
Air freshener, household disinfectant	V	Bergamot, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Spruce, Tea Tree
Disinfecting laundry, dishes, etc. Antibacterial castile soap	S	Geranium, Lavender, Pine, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Spruce, Tea Tree
1) Tamanu Oil (Calophyllum inophyllum)is not an essential oil but is mentioned because of it's anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. 2) Menthol and Camphor are derivatives of essential oils. 3) Skin Irritant! Always dilute in vegetable oil! Toxic if taken internally! Please see Safety Precautions before using.

Relaxing Massage Oil: To 4 oz. unscented massage oil add 25 drops lavender & 1 drop Roman chamomile oil. 2-3 drops of clary sage oil can also be added.

'Tiger' Liniment: Gently heat 2 oz. unscented massage oil + 1 tsp. menthol crystals (powdered). When menthol dissolves remove from heat, allow to cool and add 60-80 drops either wintergreen or sweet birch oil. Mix well. For occasional use only.

Decongestant Chest & Back Rub: Gently heat 2 oz. unscented massage oil + 1/4 tsp. menthol crystals (powdered). When menthol dissolves remove from heat, allow to cool and add 40 drops Eucalyptus 80/85 oil, 30 drops Ravensara aromatica oil and 10 drops Pinus sylvestris oil. Mix well.

Unscented Massage Oil: The best massage oils usually consist of a blend of several oils, thus taking advantage of the the different properties of each oil. Oils should be chosen for stability (shelf life), as well as what nutrients they contain and the "feel" they provide. Almond, sesame, avocado, and olive oils are excellent choices, meeting all of the requirements. Vitamin E is added mostly as a preservative, but also promotes rapid, scar-free healing. A small amount of jojoba or cocoa butter can be added as an emollient for dry skin, as well as extra vitamin E for damaged skin.
Basic Recipe: (the first two ingredients determine the viscosity - adjust amounts to equal 7 Oz. total)
2-4 Oz.Grapeseed Oil
2-4 Oz. Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernal or Sesame Oil
1 Oz. Extra Virgin Olive or Tamanu Oil
.25 - .5 Oz. Jojoba, Sea Meadowfoam or Rose Hip Seed Oil (optional)
500 IU Vitamin E
Mix all ingredients well. Store in tightly capped glass bottle away from light and heat. Shelf life ~ 2 months.

Information sources:
Schnaubelt, Kurt. 1999. Medical Aromatherapy, Classifications of Essential Oils, Frog, Ltd., distributed by North Atlantic Books ISBN 1-883319-69-2;
Lawless, Julia. 1995. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Element Books Inc. ISBN 1-85230-721-8;
Olsen, Cynthia. The Australian Tea Tree Oil Guide. KALI Press ISBN 1-890941-01-8;
Tisserand, Robert. 1995. Essential Oil Safety. Churchill Livingstone Books. ISBN 0-443-05260-3