Today we are back to The A – Z of Aromatherapy series and we are looking at the letter G. Let’s discover more about Grapefruit, Ginger and more!
G
Grapefruit essential oil – An uplifting, stimulating and detoxifying essential oil. Grapefruit is an effective oil to help remove toxins from the body. If you have cellulite (who doesn’t), this is a good oil to include if you are having a massage. Your massage therapist will consult with you so you can always ask them to include the oil for you. If you suffer from acne and oily skin Grapefruit essential oil is a wonderful tonic, include a drop in with your usual moisturiser. If you suffer from depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder this can help you by lifting the mind and spirit. Do you find yourself struggling with change, indecisiveness and procrastination? Pop several drops in a vaporiser and breathe deep.
Geranium essential oil – This is a good balancing oil. It is good for balancing sebum so can help with oily skin or dry skin, mix a drop with your usual moisturiser. Geranium is a great antidepressant, so good for depression, anxiety and stress, so incorporate it into a massage. Whilst having a massage it is also good for helping dispel fluid retention. It is also antiseptic and promotes healing so good for cuts but mix with a carrier oil first. If you suffer from PMS or are going through the menopause this is the perfect oil as it helps to balance fluctuating hormones.
Ginger essential oil – It has warming and stimulating properties and is great for aching muscles so if you use the essential oil, then dilute with a carrier oil and massage into your sore muscles. Or create a hot compress, use sparingly though. one drop is often enough. It is a great remedy for nausea and vomiting, if you suffer from travel sickness put a one or two drops on a tissue and inhale regularly or create a mix with grapeseed oil to put in a rollerball and roll onto your pulse points as needed on your journey. If you have poor circulation then mix a drop or two of ginger oil in with about 10-15ml of grapeseed oil and massage into the effected areas. It will help to stimulate the circulatory system. If you suffer from poor circulation in your hands then mix one drop into your hand cream to see if that helps. Use ginger sparingly as it may irritate the skin.
Grief – When going through a bereavement the last thing you will be thinking about is a massage, but it can be effective. The human touch mixed with rose, bergamot or lavender oil can really help. The gentle pressure can help you release your emotions. However, if this isn’t for you then add a few drops to an oil burner or vapouriser and let the air be filled with beautiful scents to help you during this difficult time.
Gattefosse, Rene-Maurice – The man behind the word ‘Aromatherapy’. After an accident in a laboratory where he badly hurt his hand, he plunged his hand into a vat of Lavender essential oil, which was the closest liquid to him at the time. As a result of this, he found his hand healed fast and without blisters and no scars formed. This led him to research other essential oils and their healing properties and in 1928 he published a booked called Aromatherapie. His research discovered many essential oils were antiseptic and far better than any synthetic antiseptics available at the time.
Grapeseed oil – This is a light oil so it is great for applying to the skin as it is less greasy than other carrier oils. It is good for moisturising the skin so try it with the above oils and see how you get on.
I hope today’s A – Z has been useful and you have a few new ideas to try. Some things may work for you and others not, so try it out and see how you get on.
When buying essential oils, always ensure you buy 100% pure essential oil. Test on the skin first (mixed with a carrier oil) before applying all over to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
Thank you reading and coming on this A – Z journey with the letter G. I hope you have found it helpful. Join me next month when we will look at the letter H.
Have a great week and look after you.
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 