Tag: Essential Oils

Most essential oils have multiple uses and benefits and that is true of lavender. It also helps soothe the skin and eases muscle tension. Another essential oil in the adaptogen group is basil. It is good for cooling the skin (think hot flashes) and also for it’s calming and restorative effects. Basil eases the mind and can also be used either aromatically or topically. Massaging with basil on the ears or the forearms can soothe anxious feelings and balance the adrenal glands.

Many problems caused by imbalance of estrogen and progesterone such as depression and infertility can be helped by using lemon to detox the liver. I start each day with a drop of lemon and frankincense essential oils in my first glass of water. They also increase energy and reduce my appetite. Clary sage is an oil that is used to alleviate cramps from your monthly cycle and soothing symptoms of PMS. Try mixing a few drops with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut or almond oil and rub across the abdomen for pain relief. I use a particular blend of oils made for the same purpose and it comes in a bottle with a rollerball that makes application easy. Just rub on the wrist and breathe it in. It instantly calms and helps cool those hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause or post menopause in my case.

One of the best essential oils for balance is bergamot, a unique citrus oil that has a wonderful depth of smell. It mainly assists with emotional feelings like self worth and self acceptance. Blending bergamot with lavender and cedarwood will help ease the mind and relax the body, all great for dealing with stress.

A lot of essential oils that are being used these days have only mild level of toxicity and are considered safe for adults. However, they still may not be safe for your children because their immunity system is still young and not yet fully developed. Therefore, you should make sure that you are using the safe ones. Babies and small young children have a huge possibility of being allergic to different kinds of foods. Some volatile oils are likely to cause unpleasant effects. This is why parents should be extra careful when choosing essential oils in aromatherapy for their children. Some of the safer essential oils are tea tree and lavender, but you will still need some intense care before using them. If you notice that your child feels uncomfortable or irritated with the smell of a certain volatile oil, stop using that oil at once and do not use it again because you baby might be allergic to it. If your child does not like the smell of a certain essential oil, it also has a great potential to be not the right oil for him or her. Therefore, parents should find time to try searching for a safer alternative for that essential oil.

If you are using aromatherapy while your baby is still bread feeding, make sure that you do not apply any amount of essential oil on or near your nipples. If you do, your baby has a huge tendency to ingest it and can cause him harm.

There are certain volatile oil that should not be applied, or to be used even with a diffuser to children who are sick or recently had illness, because some of them are very strong oils and are known to be extremely dangerous for both adults and children. There are certain oils that should never be used in aromatherapy. It is therefore very important to check on the warnings and precautions on the labels before using them. Volatile oil that should never be used anytime by adults and children alike are the essential oils from the following: Acorus calamus, American wormseed and mugwort, Amygdalus communis amara or bitter almond, Anise, Bay laurel, Birch, Basil, Black pepper, Bay, Cedarwood, Clary sage, Clove, Cinnamon, Citronella, Dwarf juniper, Horseradish root, Lovage, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Ruta graveolens or rue, Sassafras oil, Scented fern, Sweet fennel, Sage, Thyme, Wormwood.