As we rapidly head to the end of 2023. For the final month of this year, my latest post in the series of the A – Z of Aromatherapy is looking at the letter B.
B
Basil – We all know basil as a herb, we cook with it and top dishes with it. But this is also a brilliant essential oil to have in your collection. Basil is a great herb, it helps to clear your mind as well as help with a poor memory and a short attention span. It is a great oil to use to help clear headaches and sinus issues. Put a few drops of the oil in an oil burner or vaporiser and inhale slowly. If you are studying for an exam, it will help with mental clarity. This oil should be used in small amounts and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Black Pepper – This spice and essential oil, creates heat and is a warming on the body. It opens the blood vessels and is great for easing muscle aches and pains such as back ache or tension. it works well when used in a massage mixed with a carrier oil such as grapeseed oil. Mix a few drops of this with grapeseed oil and massage in to the affected area. A great oil to use when suffering from muscular back ache. Black pepper has an appeal to men as it has a spicy fragrance instead of floral.
Bergamot – This oil is obtained from the rind of a small oil type fruit. The oil works well to help anxiety and depression. It is a relaxing oil that uplifts the mood and allows you to get on with your day. It is a good oil to use if you suffer from Monday morning feeling. Put a few drops in a vaporiser and inhale deeply as the oil spreads into the room. A great way to use the oil if you are suffering from Anxiety is to get an aromatherapy necklace and put a drop on a tiny bit of cloth and put the cloth into the locket. Throughout your day you can then small the lovely fragrance and ease your anxious feelings as the oil evaporates. Bergamot oil is a photosensitiser which can cause your skin to have a sensitive reaction in sunlight. So do not use this oil direct on the skin unless diluted with a carrier oil and avoid exposure to the sun within 3 hours of use.
Bereavement – Losing a loved one is the toughest thing we go through as humans. Dealing with the loss and navigating through grief is never easy and is not the same for everyone. Neroli essential oil is good for dealing with the initial shock of losing someone. Put a few drops on a tissue and inhale when needed.
Burns – The use of lavender oil on burns was first discovered by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, he burnt his hand whilst working in a laboratory and used lavender oil on his hand which healed very quickly. Lavender oil helps to stop blisters from forming. Lavender is a great antiseptic so will help to prevent infection. It can be used neat on burns, or the dressings. It is also an analgesic which will help to ease the pain as it is a natural painkiller.
Baths – Essential oils are great in a bath. You can use them alone or along with your usual bubble bath.. To prevent the oil from sitting on top of the water, mix any essential oil with a little vodka and disperse into the bath water just before you get in. This will ensure you get the most out of the oils before they evaporate.
Please note: Always ensure you follow any instructions regarding essential oils or treatments. Never ingest oils or use them internally. Proceed with caution, particularly if you are pregnant and/or have epilepsy. Seek advice before using any essential oil or treatment as some are not to be used during pregnancy or with epilepsy. Never use essential oils neat on your skin as this can cause irritation. If any irritation occurs whilst using the oils, even with a carrier oil, then rinse the affected area and discontinue use.
I hope this has been of some help to you and has given you a greater insight into Aromatherapy and the uses of essential oils and what they can treat.
Thank you for reading, have a great week and look after you.
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 