In the next part of our A-Z of Aromatherapy series we are looking at the letter I. Read below to find out more and see if there is something that can help you today.
I
Insomnia – There are a few essential oils which are great in helping you to fall asleep. Try a warm bath before bed and put several drops of lavender essential oil in the water, inhale the aroma and relax. Camomile is another good oil to use. It is helpful to vary the oils used to ensure they continue to work. A few drops of either of these oils on your pillow can be good at helping to ease you into a relaxing sleep. If Insomnia continues, it is best to seek advice, however, it can help if you find the underlying cause of the insomnia and treat this, for example if you suffer from depression, bergamot essential oil can help ease the symptoms so mix bergamot with some lavender for a relaxing bath.
Insect bites – You are enjoying yourself outside and then before you know it you have a nasty insect bite. If you live in Scotland you will be familiar with the midges that are so tiny but can cause you to itch non stop. So what can we do to help in this situation? Lavender oil is the number one essential oil to use on an insect bite. Lavender oil can be used neat on the skin in these circumstances, but use sparingly and do not over use. If you prefer, and particularly if you have a number of bites in a small area, you can use a cold compress to help. Fill a basin with cool water add three to four drops of lavender oil and put the compress in the water, wring out and place onto the affected area. Camomile oil is also good for itchy skin, where perhaps it is not caused by a bite. follow the same steps and allow camomile to soothe your skin.
Inflammation – To help reduce inflammation in the body camomile is the best anti-inflammatory essential oil as it has soothing, cooling and pain killing properties. If the inflammation is on the surface of your skin, then use a cool compress, add a few drops of camomile to a basin of water, wring out the water and place on the inflamed area allowing the oil to soothe the area, repeat regularly.
Inhalation – Some oils are best administered through inhalation. To do this, fill a bowl with just off boiling water, pop your chosen oils into the water, for example eucalyptus essential oil and place a towel over your head to create a small enclosed space. Be careful as the water will be hot and steam can burn, so please wait till the water has cooled a little and stop using if too hot and you are uncomfortable. Eucalyptus essential oil is a fantastic oil if you have a cold and are looking to clear your nasal passage and breathe better.
Indigestion – Use fennel or lavender essential oil together or separately in a hot compress held onto the stomach. Repeat as needed. Alternatively, use a carrier oil around 10ml and place up to 5 drops in total of one or both fennel or lavender oils into the mix. Then massage gently on the stomach to help ease the pain.
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 (Lavender oil is an exception). 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 J.
Have a great week and look after you.
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 