This month for the A – Z of Aromatherapy we are taking a look at the letter L. There are a few essential oils we can dive into and take a look at the ailments they treat. So lets get started.
L
Lemongrass essential oil
The therapeutic properties of lemongrass include bactericide – it kills bacteria, and antiseptic – helps to prevent bacterial infection. It has a lovely lemony aroma and is a great insect repellent. Use in a diffuser inside or an oil burner outside to help deter those pesky insects. It is a good oil to take with you on holiday, particularly if you are prone to bites. Mix 1 or 2 drops with 10ml of a carrier oil and massage around your ankles and on your arms in the evening to help keep away the mosquitos and other insects that like to bite at dusk and into the night.
It is good for fevers, fill a bowl or sink with cold water and add 4 drops of lemongrass oil. Place your compress in the water allowing it to soak up the lemongrass, wring it out and place on the forehead to help reduce the fever. Once the compress warms, rinse in the cold water and replace on the forehead. Repeat as needed.
It is great for colds and can be used in an inhalation. Add a up to 2 drops of the oil to a bowl of boiling water, let cool slightly, then lean over the bowl and inhale. Be careful of steam as it can burn.
If you work hard at the gym or workout a lot and suffer from aching muscles use a mix of lemongrass and lavender essential oil. Mix 2 drops of each in 15-20ml of carrier oil and massage into your sore muscles to ease the pain.
Lemon essential oil
The therapeutic properties of lemon essential oil are antiviral making it a good choice for treating colds, either as an inhalation described above, or put a few drops onto a tissue and keep near you to inhale throughout your day. Mix 2 drops lemon with 2 drops of eucalyptus oil and put into a diffuser to help your cold symptoms or 1 drop of each mixed with 10ml of a carrier oil and massage onto your chest.
Lemon oil is an astringent and antibacterial so is great for using if you suffer from acne and/or greasy skin, mix a drop of lemon in with your face wash or cleanser and gently massage into your face. You can also add a drop of tea tree essential oil as well to your routine but make sure you avoid your eye area and do not use neat on the skin. Rinse well, use regularly.
Make sure you do not leave lemon oil on your skin and go out in the sun as it can cause burns.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil has many therapeutic properties. It is an antiseptic, analgesic – helps to reduce pain, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, bactericide and a sedative to name a few. This means it can be used to treat numerous ailments such as burns, headaches, insomnia, muscular pain, acne, insect bites, PMT, depression, anxiety, stress and of course it can be used for relaxation purposes too.
Lavender essential oil is brilliant for so many things, if you only ever buy one oil, make it this one. It is a great balancing oil so is good for both mind and body.
Blend with a carrier oil, for a relaxing massage. It is great for sore muscles so you can use in a massage. If you suffer from headaches or tension, put 1 drop in with 5ml of a carrier oil and massage on your temples..
If you are suffering from stress and want to relax, put up to 5 drops in a diffuser or oil burner to create a lovely relaxing environment. Whether you are sitting or lying down, breathe slow and deep to feel relaxed and at ease.
For difficulty in sleeping, put 2 drops onto your pillow or mix with some body lotion onto your arms and chest to help you drift off.
Lavender with it’s balancing properties works great together with in the receipies above with lemongrass or lemon essential oil as well as most other oils. To use in combination, reduce the drops of the other oils and make up with lavender.
Laryngitis
Mix one drop of lavender with one drop of sandalwood – a great antiseptic – in 5ml-10ml of a carrier oil and massage gently onto your neck and throat area. Both are sedatives so it is great to apply just before bed to soothe the inflammation.
Low mood
Use lemon or bergamot essential oil to help lift your mood and give you a boost, put between 4-6 drops in a diffuser and let the aroma envelop you.
Please note: never ingest essential oils, use them internally or use them undiluted on your skin. If you are epileptic or pregnant, there are some oils you should avoid entirely. If you suffer an allergic reaction please discontinue use. Always proceed with caution and if in doubt, do not use or seek advice in the first instance. Always use essential oils that are 100% pure.
Thank you for reading, have a lovely week.
Look after you, love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 