This month in my series The A – Z of Aromatherapy I am looking at the letter D.
D
Dehydrated skin – This is when your skin lacks moisture. The winter weather can be a nightmare for your skin, the cold and the wind. Central heating and air conditioning can take the moisture out, causing it to dehydrate. Alcohol is another culprit for causing your skin to dehydrate, another reason to reduce your intake. To help get moisture back into your skin use Lavender oil to help with this imbalance and Rose oil to soothe the skin. Add a few drops to your usual facial lotion and apply. A drop of rose oil goes a long way, so one drop mixed with your usual lotion will suffice.
Dry skin – This is different from dehydrated skin, dry skin is when your skin lacks natural sebum. Oils which are gentle on the skin such as camomile, neroli or rose will help. As above add a drop or two to your regular lotion or moisturiser. Balancing oils such as geranium and lavender will help the skins sebum production. Mix one drop of balancing essential oils to 10ml of Sweet Almond oil and massage gently into the skin. Do this regularly to help increase sebum production.
Depression – Whilst no essential oil can cure depression, there are a number that can help to ease it’s symptoms. It is important to match how you are feeling and what symptoms you are having to the best oils that can help you. There is no one oil to cure all. So match an oil to what you need. For example if you are struggling to sleep then use an oil that will help you such as lavender, camomile and sandalwood as these all have a sedative effect. Bergamot is an uplifting oil so use regularly in an oil burner or diffuser. As it is a relaxing oil too it works great in a massage. Just be careful of exposing your skin after use as it is photosensitive so can increase your skins sensitivity to sunlight.
Disinfectants – Many essential oils are disinfectants. Lavender, Eucalyptus, Bergamot and Tea Tree amongst others are excellent disinfectants. Whether you use them diluted in water to wipe down surfaces or diffuse them in the air, they are great at killing bacteria or stopping their growth. You can make your own disinfectant spray (make in small quantities) mix 200ml of water with 25ml of vodka, 25ml white vinegar followed by a total of 12 drops of Bergamot, Lavender or Eucalyptus oil. You can also add in Lemon oil too, just ensure you don’t exceed the total drops. You can make this mix with any oils but the above is great for wiping down surfaces.
Dandruff – If you suffer from an itchy and flaky scalp, use a drop or two of Tea Tree oil in with your usual shampoo to help relive the itching. Lavender oil as we know is a great balancing oil so this can be added as well. To create a rinse for your hair, fill a container with enough water to rinse your hair (after you have rinsed out all the shampoo/conditioner) and add in a few drops of tea tree oil and mix. Pour slowly over your head, ensuring you cover the scalp. Once all the rinse is finished, dry your hair in the usual way. Use regularly.
Diffusers – An oil diffuser creates a fine mist of water and essential oil and disperses the fragrance around the room. It is a great way to create a long lasting fragrance enabling the essential oil to work.
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 E.
Have a great week and look after you.
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 