This month in my series The A – Z of Aromatherapy I am looking at the letter C.
C
Concentration – Whether you are studying for an exam or have a work project you are trying to complete, essential oils can play there part and help you to concentrate. Rosemary is an excellent choice to help with concentration particularly when it comes to exams. Rosemary, is as Ophelia from Hamlet said ‘for remembrance’. It stimulates the brain and aides memory so I would certainly suggest it for times when concentration is required. Basil is another great oil which is fantastic for clarity and can be used as an alternative. Put a few drops of either of these oils in an oil burner or in a vapouriser/diffuser and let the fragrance fill the room. Breathe deep and crack on with your studying or if you are in the office, put a couple of drops on a tissue and sit this on your desk and enjoy the fragrance as you get on with your work tasks.
Camomile – A relaxing and soothing essential oil. A great alternative to lavender if you are not keen on this fragrance. Camomile is anti inflammatory and great to use as a hot or cold compress depending on the symptom. For example, if you are suffering from swollen joints or arthritis then use a cold compress on these areas. Whereas if you are looking to treat boils or infected cuts then use a hot compress and if you have toothache or an abscess use a hot compress against your cheek. Drinking camomile tea can help too. It is a relaxing oil as well and great for helping with stress and anxiety. Go for a massage and ask for this oil to help ease your anxiety. If you suffer from itchy or inflamed skin, use a cold compress or mix a drop into a plain sensitive body lotion to help. Putting several drops into a bath will help to sooth the skin as well.
Compress – For a hot or cold compress, fill a bowl with the required water and add in 3-4 drops of the oil required. The place your compress into the water, picking up the oil sitting on the top, rinse out the excess water and then place on the affected area. hold there until the compress cools down or heats up to body temperature, then replace.
Colds – there will never be a cure for the common cold but there are oils we can use to help. Eucalyptus oil is great for steam inhalation helping to clear your nose, reduce the inflammation within the membrane and ease coughing. Pop a few drops of eucalyptus oil onto a tissue and keep this with you throughout your day and sniff regularly. Mix a drop of eucalyptus oil with around 10 ml of a carrier oil and massage a little onto your chest area before bed, to help ease your breathing as you sleep. Use lavender oil in your steam inhalation before bed as this will help you to sleep or have a bath with and this will help to ease you into a good nights sleep.
Circulation – to improve circulation, you want to use oils that are rubefacient. These oils, such as rosemary and black pepper stimulate the flow of blood to the area being massaged. As the increased blood flow brings more oxygen into the body this will help aide the healing of the affected areas.
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.
Thank you for reading and I hope this gives you a small insight into the benefits of essential oils. Join me next month when I will be looking at the letter D.
Have a great week and look after you.
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 