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Aromatherapy Oil Blends April 2, 2014Relax0 Comments

Aromatherapy is one of the most beneficial therapies for targeting the whole of the body. These incredible plant extracts work powerfully on the body, while the gorgeous scents work on the mind and spirit. What I love about essential oils is the ability to create blends that target specific physical complaints as well as emotional states. For example, if chronic tension headaches are getting you down a simple blend of 2-drops lavender and 1-drop peppermint in ½ Tablespoon of carrier oil can provide relief. However, it’s also important to try and determine the cause of the headaches. Are they due to poor posture or eye strain? Are you spending too much time at your computer? If so, why? Are you worried about deadlines? Do you feel anxious about not keeping up with your colleagues?

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Photo credit: Cinnamon Vogue @ flickr

Essential oils allow you to address the bigger picture. If you are feeling anxious and worried then look at including some uplifting oils into your blend, or alternatively add them to an aroma stone or diffuser at your desk. A blend of 4-drops lavender, 3-drops orange, 2-drops peppermint and 2-drops neroli in 35 ml of carrier oil is a great ‘stress busting, tension-headache taming blend.’ Lavender has analgesic properties to ease pain and it is also very soothing on the nervous system. The cooling action of peppermint will provide almost instant relief from head pain; while it’s slightly stimulating properties can help you keep a clear head. Orange and neroli are uplifting, calming and positive oils that promote calm and relaxation. On a spiritual level they can help with self-acceptance.

As you can see Aromatherapy works on many different levels, but ultimately how you respond to the oils is of the upmost importance. It doesn’t matter if lavender is relaxing, if you hate the smell it won’t have the same effect! Here are some very basic Aromatherapy blends and what they can be used for, of course if you aren’t keen on a particular oil you can always omit it, or find a suitable substitution. If you do have a serious health complaint, think you may be pregnant or have been suffering with undiagnosed health concerns please do speak with your GP as well as a qualified Aromatherapist.

Sore and aching muscles can be helped with oils such as chamomile, lavender, marjoram and rosemary, which have analgesic (pain relieving) properties. Clary sage, jasmine, geranium, petitgrain and neroli can be extremely soothing especially if you’ve had a particularly hard day at work. If you’ve just completed a marathon, or have had some sort of intense physical exertion black pepper and juniper are great choices. Ideally these oils should be used either in the bath or in a massage blend for maximum benefit.

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‘After a Hard Day’s Work’ Blend: Add 4-drops clary sage, 4-drops lavender, 4-drops marjoram, 3-drops orange and 3-drops neroli (or roman chamomile) to 60 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed.

Sport’s Enthusiast Blend: Add 6-drops juniper, 3-drops rosemary, 3-drops roman chamomile and 2-drops lavender to 60 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed.

General Aches and Pain Blend: Add 4-drops frankincense, 4-drops black pepper, 4-drops lavender and 3-drops orange to 60 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed.

Period Pain Blend: Add 6-drops marjoram, 6-drops clary sage, 3-drops roman chamomile and 2-drops lavender to 40 ml sweet almond and 20 ml evening primrose carrier oil.

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Stress can affect us in many ways such as insomnia, digestive problems, low energy, anxiety and mood swings. Fortunately essential oils can work wonders on the effects of stress. Once again these blends are great in the bath or as a massage, but they can also be used in Aromatherapy diffusers to help scent the air and create a relaxed environment at home or at work. You can also create travel blends that can be used discretely on public transport or with extreme caution in the car (don’t use any oils that will make you drowsy!).

Insomnia Blend: Add 6-drops lavender, 4-drops neroli, 4-drops chamomile and 4-drops clary sage to 60 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed. Use about 1-Tablespoon of the blend in a warm bath 1-hour before bedtime.

Oil Diffuser: Mix 4-drops lavender (or benzoin), 4-drop orange and 4-drops clary sage in an aroma stone or oil diffuser and use to scent your bedroom about 1-hour before bedtime.

Digestive Trouble Blend: Add 2-drops peppermint, 2-drops roman chamomile (or orange) and 1-drop lavender to 20 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed. Ideally massage into your abdomen but it can also be used in the bath.

Hot Compress: Add the same oils to a large bowl of hot (not boiling) water. Stir to blend and add a flannel. Wring out flannel and place over abdomen for 15-20 minutes.

Mood Uplift Blend: Add 6-drops frankincense, 6-drops bergamot, 3-drops clary sage (or neroli) and 3-drops mandarin to 60 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed.

Please note: clary sage can have a strong sedative affect so take care if you need to drive or operate machinery.

Oil Diffuser: Add 4-drops bergamot, 4-drops neroli, 4-drops ylang ylang and 2-drops clary sage (or neroli).

Mood Balancing Blend: Add 6-drops geranium, 4-drops lavender, 4-drops orange and 4-drops jasmine to 60 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed.

Oil Diffuser: Add 4-drops geranium, 4-drops lime (or orange), 4-drops lavender and 2-drops clary sage (or neroli).

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Grounded Energy Blend: Add 6-drops vetiver, 6-drops benzoin, 3-drops lavender and 3-drops ylang ylang to 60 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed.

Please note: benzoin should not be used in the bath as it will stain enamel, use the above blend for a soothing massage, and if you want to use a blend in the bath substitute 6-drops sandalwood, frankincense or jasmine instead.

Oil Diffuser: 4-drops vetiver, 4-drops benzoin, 4-drops ylang ylang and 3-drops lavender.

Travel Anxiety Blend: Use a personal inhaler, there are many dedicated sites now selling these fantastic little devices. Add between 5-15 drops of essential oil.

Add 6-drops clary sage, 3-drops lavender and 3-drops orange.

Another nice blend is 6-drops vetiver, 6-drops sandalwood and 3-drops bergamot.

Whether you need an emotional pick-me-up or your muscles need some TLC there are so many wonderful ways to incorporate Aromatherapy into your everyday life. The most important thing is not waiting until you feel like you’re at the breaking point before you start using them. Make Aromatherapy a regular part of your life and it won’t be long before you feel the benefits!

 

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