Orientation:
Please take a moment and listen to your animated instructor discuss the overview of this class.
Then grab your favourite beverage and a notebook and head to the healing circle at the Ship’s Healing Bay.
When settled, could you read over the symptoms reference chart and watch the short videos? There will not be a download exercise today. Note where this chart is located, as you may wish to refer back to it.
Overview–
This is a simple list of common issues I use essential oils to address. It is handy to refer to. If the problem becomes worse or more serious, please seek medical help. Never let a situation get out of control before seeking help. As a famous bumper sticker reminds us, Never let your dogma run over your karma!
Healing Aromatherapy Video
From the chart below, Laurie discusses a few common conditions and the essential oils that address them.
A Healing Reference Chart:
Methods of Application:
To make a bath oil–
A few drops of essential oil are mixed into a Tbsp. of full-fat milk or a carrier oil for bathing. Could you stir this thoroughly into the water before emerging?
Add .05-5% essential oil to a carrier for a massage and apply. Use higher dilutions for spot applications and lower ratios for seniors and anyone young or fragile.
To diffuse essential oils into the air, use an air pump diffuser or put the oils into a glass spray bottle with water. Use a 0.5-5% solution. Please don’t spray into the eyes or onto a person; spray into the air. Before using, ensure the person is not pregnant, under the age of 5, epileptic, or allergic.
To make a spray, add essential oil to purified water. Usually, a .05-10 % solution is created, depending on the purpose and the person it is intended for. You can always use a glass spray bottle.
If you have medical conditions that do not respond to these simple therapies, please consult a medical specialist promptly.
E.O.=Essential Oil
Alternative medicine – healing herbs
Please check the caution page before using any essential oil. Do not use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, allergic, or sensitive to oils. Do not apply directly to the skin. Please do not take it internally. Keep away from children, pets, and anyone unable to understand limits and consequences.
Aches–
Muscular & Bruising–
Peppermint E.O. for a daytime blend.
Preferred Method- Create a massage oil using a dandelion-infused carrier oil. Add 5% peppermint and apply. Not for children under ten years of age.
Arnica carrier on its own is also helpful for bruised tissue. Do not blend it with peppermint E.O.
Substitute Marjoram E.O. for an evening blend.
Stiff Muscles–
Cabreuva E.O.
Preferred Method- As a massage oil with a dandelion carrier.
Frankincense and Myrrh E.O.
Preferred Method- Place 3 drops of frankincense and one drop of myrrh in a small bowl of warm water. Dip a sterile cloth in and wring it out. Use this as a compress over the stiff and painful area.
Anxiety–
General Neroli, lavender, black spruce, E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Diffuse or in a bath.
PMS Rose geranium, clary sage, Roman chamomile, E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Diffuse, use in bath or massage.
Athlete’s Foot-
Tea tree, oregano, manuka, E.O.
Preferred Method- Blend E.O. with neem and coconut carrier oils. Apply onto fungus.
Be persistent. Change socks often.
Burns–
Lavender or Lavandin, E.O.’s
Rinse with cool water.
Apply neat to a burn or in a base of aloe gel or rosehip seed oil. Do not use aloe if you are concerned about a staph infection.
Calm & Relax–
Lavender, Roman chamomile, neroli E.O.’s
Preferred method- Diffuse, bath or tissue put under the pillow cover.
Chicken Pox/Shingles
Melissa, geranium, roman chamomile, ravintsara E.O.’s
Preferred Methods-
A) Mix the essential oils into Saint John’s Wort carrier.
Could you gently paint this mixture onto the chicken pox with a sterile paintbrush? Could you clean the brush thoroughly each time?
B) Mix the essential oils (1-2% mixture) in a glass spray bottle with sterile water and spray onto the sores.
Cleaning-
Eucalyptus globulus, tea tree, orange, peppermint, E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Drop about five drops into a sink of hot water. Dip the clean cloth into the mixture and wring it out. Wipe up counters, appliances, glass, etc. Always test essential oils on plastics, countertops, and finishes before applying them to ensure there is no destruction from oils.
Alternatively, mix 5-10% essential oils into water in a spray bottle and use this mix to clean. For many other ideas, refer to the section on cleaning.
Colds–
Immune– Oregano E.O.
Preferred Method- Massage onto the bottoms of feet. (Do not use with children under 3)
Sinus: Eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus dives, and ravintsara in a diffuser, sauna, and steam (but not with children under ten).
Sore Throat- Tea tree E.O.
Preferred Method: Gargle 2 drops of tea tree in ½ glass of salt water. Spit it out and repeat. This method is not for children under 5.
Cold Sores– Melissa, Rose Otto E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Dab neat Melissa or rose otto onto the cold sore when it is in the itchy stage. Repeat as necessary. It will not be as helpful after the cold sore has emerged.
Research the supplement lysine for internal use. Avoid eating nuts while susceptible.
Concentration–
Rosemary, lemon, peppermint, basil, E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Put in a diffuser, aromatic necklace, or spray bottle with water. Breathe deeply.
Constipation–
Ginger, peppermint. Dilute to 5% and rub the mixture clockwise on the tummy. Please do not use it on children.
Cramping– (tummy)
Ginger, peppermint. Dilute to 5% and rub the mixture clockwise on the tummy. Please do not use it on children.
Cuts–
Minor lavender, tea tree. E.O.’s
Drop on a cut or bandage to help disinfect and heal.
Ear-Ache–
Lavender, tea tree E.O.’s
Preferred Method: Warm a tablespoon of olive or mullein carrier oils to room temperature. Add one drop of lavender or tea tree oil to the carrier. If available, press a fresh garlic bulb. Place a drop of the garlic juice into your blend. Put a dropper of this mix into the ear. Insert a cotton batten in the ear to keep the liquid from coming out. Repeat every 4-6 hours.
Eczema-
Lavender, Roman chamomile, rose geranium, E.O.’s
Patch test before proceeding.
Preferred Method- Mix 2% essential oil with calendula carrier. Carrot tissue, sea buckthorn, and caulophyllum are suitable alternative carriers.
Apply when needed.
*Note- skin issues are tricky. Eczema may heal for a while and then relapse. Varying the essential oils and carriers is helpful. Also, review diet. Food sensitivities, such as milk, gluten, additives, and colours, maybe the condition’s root. Keep a food journal to see what aggravates the condition.
Edema (Oedema)- Swollen Feet and Ankles
Soak your feet in a cool Epsom salt foot bath. Add three drops of each essential oil: geranium, cypress, parsley herb, and lemon. Alternatively, rub a dandelion flower-infused oil onto your feet with a few drops of the essential oils listed above mixed in. Drinking lemon juice and abstaining from salt can also be helpful. Do not use if you are under the age of 10, breastfeeding, pregnant, or sensitive to any of these ingredients.
Exposure to the cold:
Rub geranium, ginger or thyme linalol onto the area.
Feet Sore-
Lavender, Roman chamomile E.O.’s
Preferred Method: Soak with Epsom salts and E.O.’s in a foot bath. See the Aromatic Foot Baths, Rubs, and Spray section for more details and ideas.
Fevers:
Add a few drops of eucalyptus radiata or spearmint to the bath. Ensure it is emulsified in milk or carrier oil before adding to the water.
Hair-
Alopecia- Rosemary cineole, atlas cedar, lavender, thyme vulgaris E.O.’s Carrier- Grapeseed. Preferred Method- Rub into scalp 2X daily.Facial and body care (spa treatment)
Dry or Split Ends- Carrot seed E.O.
Preferred method: Add a 5% solution of the carrot seed to Rosehip seed or Jojoba carrier. Warm before applying. Wrap hair in plastic wrap. Leave in one hour. Wash twice and rinse well.
Dandruff- Tea Tree, patchouli or manuka E.O.’s
Carrier Neem and Coconut.
Preferred Method: Gently warm the carrier, add the E.O.s, mix, and apply. Leave on the scalp for 45 minutes. Wash twice with a gentle shampoo.
Hair Loss
(not alopecia)- Rosemary, turmeric, E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Mix 1 % essential oil into a spray bottle with water. Shake and apply 2X per day. Massage the scalp as often as possible. Take vitamins-biotin, zinc and organic silica. Meditate and invite in the calm. Consider getting checked for underlying causes, such as a family history of baldness, hair loss, anemia, or thyroid. Know balding can also be very attractive!
Peppermint E.O. or lavender E.O.
(Never use peppermint on babies or children under three years)
Head-Aches-
Preferred Method- Dilute in dandelion or olive carrier and massage onto neck and shoulders.
Infections–
Thyme linalool, lavender, eucalyptus radiata, oregano, or tea tree.
Insect bites–
Chamomile Roman, eucalyptus radiata, thyme linalool and tea tree.
Insomnia–
Roman chamomile, organic lavender, neroli, marjoram and lemongrass E.O.’s
Preferred Method-Add 3-5 drops of E.O.’s (your choice) to a cup of Epsom salts. Stir in hot water. Immerse yourself for 15 undisturbed minutes.
Massage- Add 1-5% of these oils to calendula or dandelion carrier oil for a relaxing massage and foot rub.
Two drops of organic lavender, Roman chamomile, or neroli can be sprayed on a tissue and placed under your pillowcase to help soothe.
Jetlag–
Grapefruit, lemongrass, and rosemary.
Meditation-
Frankincense, Roman chamomile, holy basil E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Diffuse
Menstruation-
Bloating- Ginger, dill, peppermint, caraway E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Add 1-2 drops of one or more of the above oils into a tbsp. Of carrier oil. Rub clockwise onto the tummy.
Cramps-
Peppermint, ginger E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Mix 6-8 drops of E.O.’s into a tbsp. Or carrier oil and rub it onto the tummy. Repeat every 15 minutes or until pain decreases.
Mood Swings–
Clary sage, bergamot, rose E.O.’s
Preferred Method: Diffuse the oils into the air, use them in a bath, or massage them. The oils may help take the edge off the very natural shifts in temperament that occur before menstruation. Give yourself time to do what you want at your own pace.
Rashes-
Always patch test before proceeding.
Lavender, Roman chamomile E.O.’s
Preferred Method: Add one drop of each E.O. to calendula carrier oil or cream and apply it to the rash.
Diaper–
Use straight calendula carrier oil or cream to help heal skin and create a preventative barrier. Add one drop of Roman chamomile or lavender E.O. for children over six months to 1 tbsp. Cream. Always patch test first to ensure your baby is not allergic to these oils.
Room Spray-
Anti-Bacterial–
Eucalyptus globulus, ravintsara, tea tree, lavender, orange, lemon, peppermint, and lemongrass E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Diffuse (Never use eucalyptus or peppermint with children under 10).
Cleansing Scent–
Peppermint, spearmint, orange, palmarosa, spruce E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Diffuse or Put 1-5% of essential oil into a glass spray bottle. Add water. Shake before using. Do not spray onto people or walls. Never use with children under 10.
Energy Cleansing–
Atlas cedar, orange, frankincense, lemon, sage, sweetgrass,
(Smokeless Smudge) spruce, pine E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Put 1-5% of essential oil into a glass spray bottle. Add water. Shake before using. Do not spray onto people or walls. This can be used to dissipate negative or stagnant energy in the room.
Scars-
Lavender, helichrysum, cistus E.O.’s
Preferred Method: Mix a drop of each of these essential oils into carrier oils of seabuckthorn, aloe, vitamin E, carrot tissue, and rosehip seed oil. Always patch-test the affected area before proceeding. Scars under one year old are much easier to heal, while old scars may not respond.
Shingles–
Melissa, lemon verbena, roman chamomile, ravintsara E.O.’s
Preferred Methods- A) Mix the essential oils into a Saint John’s Wort Carrier. Gently paint this mixture onto fresh shingles with a sterile paintbrush. Clean the brush thoroughly each time.
B) Mix the essential oils (1-2% mixture) in a spray bottle with sterile water and spray onto sores. Do not spray water or put carrier oils on scabs, which may delay healing.
Skin–
Always patch test skin to ensure there is no reaction before proceeding.
Acne– Tea tree, niaouli E.O.’s
Dab neat tea tree or niaouli onto pustules only, as it is too drying for surrounding skin. Use rosemary hydrosol for daily cleansing.
Dry-
Roman chamomile, blue German chamomile, patchouli, rose geranium, lavender, palmarosa or carrot seed E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Mix with carrier oil of rosehip, seabuckthorn seed, carrot tissue or calendula – about 1% concentration of essential oils and rub into dry areas.
Inflamed-
(Remember to patch test, as sometimes inflamed skin does best by being left alone). Find out what is irritating it and stop.
Roman chamomile, German chamomile, E.O.’s or hydrosols can be helpful.
Preferred Method—After patch testing, bathe the patient with the oatmeal, baking soda, and mild E.O. listed above if the patient is not infected with the condition.
Also, apply a rub of calendula carrier and e.o.’s. Dilution rate 0.5%
Wrinkle Deterrent-
Rose otto, frankincense, cistus, yarrow, neroli and rose geranium E.O.’s.
Preferred Method: Use as a serum or lotion. Effective Carriers are seabuckthorn, rosehip seed, and argan.
Stress–
Preferred Method: Add one or all of these oils (about five drops) to 1 tbsp of milk or carrier oil. Alternatively, add the essential oils to half a cup of Epsom salts. Drop into a hot bathtub and stir. Relax, breathing deeply eight times.
Alternatively- Frankincense and neroli E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Massage.
Add 5% essential oils to a calendula carrier and receive a massage or foot rub.
Stretchmarks–
Lavender, helichrysum, neroli or bitter orange E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Blend three drops of essential oil into 4 tbsps of seabuckthorn, rosehip, Centella, vitamin E and olive oil carrier. Please do not use it before six months into the pregnancy.
Sunburn–
Lavender, eucalyptus radiata, Roman chamomile. Aloe gel. Never use aloe gel if there is a chance of staph infection.
Vaginitis-
Candida or post-menstrual itchiness.
Tea tree, lavender, Roman chamomile E.O.’s
Preferred Method- Add a few drops to a sitz bath basin or bathtub. Stir very well. Submerge vaginal area.
It is expected to have a slight vaginal itchiness post-menstrually, as vaginal ph prefers a slightly acidic environment, and blood is more alkaline. Roman chamomile is particularly well suited to rebalance ph at this time. Tea tree is better for candida (white, clumpy discharge). If you are unsure, get tested to see what is occurring.
Warts-
Thuja E.O.
Never use thuja on young children or fragile people.
This oil is toxic. Please do not get it on the surrounding skin; apply only directly onto warts. Alternatively, mix thuja with neem carrier, which may also deter warts. Use for about 6-8 weeks.