Bath
The use of
essential oils in a bath can offer relief for a variety of conditions
including: irritated skin conditions, aches and pains of all sorts,
stress related complaints, and can even effect one's spirit. Offering
a space in time to nurture oneself on multiple levels, baths are one
of the easiest and most common ways of using essential oils that
allows them to act in two ways, by absorption through the skin, and
by inhalation.
Essential oils
float on water, so it is necessary to use a dispersant when using
them in this application so that the essential oils blend within the
bath water. While some sources suggest dropping 5-10 drops of an
essential oil into bath water when it is full, I would recommend
against this method. This method may be safe with the more gentle of
essential oils, however essential oils by their nature float on
water, so rather than dispersing throughout the water, when one
submerges into water the essential oils will thinly coat the skin. In
instances of using peppermint essential oil by this method it has
proven to be very uncomfortable. In addition to peppermint, essential
oils to avoid using in this way include citrus oils, cinnamon, anise,
clove, fennel and basil as they may cause sensitivity, a prickly
sensation, which may possibly develop into a rash. If the prickly
sensation happens, one should remove themselves from the bath
immediately, the essential oil should be washed off with soap and
water, and then follow with an application of a light and gentle
vegetable oil, such as jojoba, to soothe the skin.
Common ways to
disperse essential oils within bath water are to use one of the
following carriers:
1 Tablespoon
Vegetable Oil (moisturizing) – 5-10 drops essential oil
1 Cup Epson Salt
(for soreness) –10 drops essential oil
1 Cup Sea Salt
(detoxifying) – 10 drops essential oil
1 Cup Milk
(soothing) – 12 drops essential oil
Foot and Hand Baths
Foot and Hand
Baths have been shown to bring relief and be useful for conditions
including arthritis, edema, circulation problems, irritated skin
conditions, rheumatism, varicose veins, and dry skin.
Mix 5 drops of
essential oil into a teaspoon of dispersant (see above) and add into
tepid water. Soak hands or feet for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove,
and wrap in a dry towel.
Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is a
bath for the hip region of the body and can be done either in a large
bowl or in a regular bath tub filled with just enough water to cover
the hip area and just up to the waist area. Sitz baths have been
shown to be an effective treatment for many conditions including
those which effect the urinary, genital and digestive systems.
Because only a small volume of water is needed for a sitz bath only 5
drops of essential oil is necessary, dispersed in a carrier, before
being mixed into the bath.
Hot Sitz Baths
are often used to stimulate, relax and warm areas, relieving pain in
the abdominal, genital and digestive systems. Hot sitz baths are
taken for 3-10 minutes and are useful for conditions such as late or
painful menstrual periods, lower back pain, urinary disorders,
hemorrhoids, and constipation.
Tepid Sitz
Baths are useful for conditions which involve acute inflammation
such as cystitis and pruritis of the anus or vulva region. Tepid sitz
baths are typically taken for 15 minute periods of time.
Cold Sitz Baths
are the temperature for blood congested conditions such as excessive
menstrual bleeding, but can also be helpful to prevent colds and flu,
as well as to promote sleep. Cold sitz baths should only be undergone
for brief amounts of time, 1-3 minutes maximum.
Compress
One of the most
effective ways of using a compress as a method of application using
essential oils, is in conditions of inflammation and pain. While some
conditions may be too painful for massage, the gentle nature of the
compress, combined with the qualities of specific essential oils, can
help circulation and ease pain in conditions of rheumatism and
arthritis, and back-ache. The use of a hot compress is also suitable
at times when there is an abscess, earache, or a toothache present.
A hot compress
is made by first filling a clean bowl with very hot water and adding
4-5 drops of essential oils. Dip a clean piece of cotton cloth into
this mixture and wring out the excess water. Apply the cloth on the
affected area until the cloth has cooled to skin temperature and
repeat.
A cold compress
is made in a similar way as the hot compress but rather using ice
water rather than hot water. This type of compress is useful in
conditions that are swollen by nature such as sprains, and strains,
as well as headaches.
Douche
A douche is a
vaginal wash, this application can be useful for common
genito-urinary infections including candida, thrush, and pruritis.
To make a mixture, add five to ten drops of essential oils to 32 oz
of warm water, along with 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar, and
shake well. The best method for application of this mixture is either
in a sitz bath, a bidet, or dispensed by way of an enema/douche pot,
which may be purchased at some pharmacies.
The best position
for this method is lying on the back, it is most effective if the
douche can be retained for 10-20 minutes. When symptoms are acute,
this method of application can be used once per day for a week. This
method may be used once per month for maintenance.
It is best kept in
mind that using this method on a regular basis is not recommended as
it could disrupt the normal, healthy, bacteria-balance within the
system.
Flower Water
While Hydrosols of
a wide variety may not be readily available, it is possible to make
your own flower water by first combining 20-30 drops of essential
oils with 3 ½ oz spring water or de-ionized water, then leave this
mixture alone for several days and finally, strain through a coffee
filter. The fragrance as well as the therapeutic properties of the
essential oils will be lightly imparted into the water.
This application
is often helpful as a face tonic and for the prevention and treatment
of acute inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and
acne. With this method one can tailor th oils chosen to be properly
suited for specific complexions and conditions.
Hair Care
There are several
instances when one could benefit by adding essential oils into their
hair care routine, however they can also lend assistance in acute
conditions. To rid a scalp of lice or parasites, mix 5 ml of
essential oil into 3.5 oz vodka. This mixture can be used to
condition the hair and rid it of unwanted critters.
To condition the
hair, mix a blend of essential oils to a concentration of 3% into a
nourishing carrier oil, such as olive oil with jojoba or argan oil.
For instance, blend a total of 18 drops (roughly 1 ml) of essential
oil, into 1 oz of carrier oils. Massage this oil into the scalp and
wrap the hair with a warm towel to help your hair and scalp to
absorb it.
Inhalation (steam)
Steam inhalation
is best suited for lung, sinus, and throat conditions however steam
inhalations can also be effective remedies for the face and neck
area. To use essential oils in this application add 5-6 drops of
essential oil to steaming hot water. Rest the pot of hot water on a
lower level, such as the floor or a lower sitting table, and then
drape a towel to create a tent over the head and the steaming bowl.
Make sure you close your eyes as the vapors may be too intense for
them. Breathe deeply for one minute, creating an opening the flap of
the towel if necessary, and repeat.
Massage
One of the most
common uses of essential oils in aromatherapy, massage can offer a
range of support based on an individuals condition and temperament.
To make a massage oil blend intended to be used in a whole body
massage, combine the essential oils chosen at a total of a 1-3 %
concentration, between roughly 6-18 drops of total essential oil per
ounce of carrier oil, such as sweet almond or grapeseed oil.
The percentage
concentration is suggested in this range because some conditions
which are more pain related demand higher concentration of oils,
whereas nervous conditions would call for lower concentrations of
essential oils.
Neat Applications
“Neat'
application is the undiluted use of essential oils. The use of
essential oils undiluted on the skin is not a general suggested
practice in aromatherapy although there are some exceptions to this
basic rule. Some acute conditions, may call for gentle and yet
powerful oils such as lavender, which has a known history for
usefulness of neat application for burns, cuts, and insect bites.
Skin Oil/Lotion
Skin Oils, Creams,
and Lotions are a means of carrying essential oils onto the skin
similar to massage. The primary difference between the two methods of
application is that in this instance, oils that are more nourishing
and specifically indicated for a condition or area of the skin, such
as jojoba, camellia, and hazelnut, are chosen. When making skin oils
and lotions it is recommended the dilution of essential oils is
between 1.5%-3%. This would be equivalent to blending 9-18 drops
(roughly 0.5 - 1 ml) of essential oils, into 1 oz. of base carrier
oil or lotion.
Vaporization
A pleasant and
effective way of scenting and purifying a room, Vaporization,
or the active diffusing of essential oils, can be an effective way
of creating a mood, calming the spirit, settling the nerves,
dis-infecting the air, and even ridding a space of unwanted insects!
While there are a
variety of machines that range in their ability to effectively
disperse the molecules of essential oils into the room, one does not
need a machine to take advantage of using essential oils in this way.
One can also dispense a couple of drops of pure essential oil onto
the side of a pillow case or on a handkerchief or cloth to inhale
throughout the day.
Additional Safety Precautions
Some essential oils are known to
have adverse effects on people with certain health conditions and are
best to be avoided. If you are under the guidance of a health care
professional, please consult them prior to using essential oils as a
supplemental treatment of any kind.
Cautions for known conditions:
During times of
pregnancy use essential oils in half of the strength as usual.
Oils which have emmenagogue properties should be avoided and are
contra-indicated including: angelica, star anise, aniseed, basil, bay
laurel, cedarwood (all types), cinnamon leaf, citronella, clary sage,
clove, cumin, sweet fennel, hyssop, juniper, lovage, marjoram, myrrh,
nutmeg, and white thyme. It is also suggested to avoid using the
essential oils of rosemary, rose, and peppermint during the first
four months of pregnancy.
People who have
Epilepsy should avoid all use of the essential oils of Fennel,
Hyssop, and Rosemary.
In cases of High
Blood Pressure avoid Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (Spanish and common),
and thyme.
In all cases of
Diabetes avoid use of Angelica.
During times you
are using Homeopathy, avoid using the oils of black pepper,
camphor, eucalyptus and peppermint which are not compatible with this
form of treatment as they can cancel out the effectiveness of
homeopathic treatments.
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A note from the creator and writer:
Any information shared within this blog/post is not intended to be taken as
a replacement for medical advice. Any person with a condition
requiring medical attention should consult a qualified medical
professional or therapist.
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