The A – Z Of Aromatherapy – P

It’s that time again where we delve into the A – Z of Aromatherapy and this month we are looking at the letter P.

P

Peppermint essential oil – A good oil to use if you get troubled by insects or scary spiders, put a few drops on cotton wool balls and put in the corners of your home or on the windowsills, it should help to reduce the number of little visitors you get. If you or someone are feeling feverish, using this oil in a cold compress or massaged in using a carrier oil can help to induce sweating, helping your body cool down.

If you are struggling with mental fatigue or memory issues put a few drops into a vaporiser and allow it to fragrance the air, enabling you to breath in the cooling scent, to help give you clarity. This can be helpful if studying for an exam. If you struggle with headaches or migraines peppermint oil is an analgesic – provides pain relief so using a cold compress on your head can help. If a migraine attack is current, the individual may not be able to tolerate the smell.

If you have overworked your muscles then mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil such a peach kernel or grapeseed oil and massage gently into the affected areas, helping to soothe. As an anti inflammatory it can work to reduce sprains and great for using on tired feet. Mix with your usual foot cream or body lotion.

If you are suffering from a cold use a few drops in a steam inhalation. This will help to clear nasal passages. Put a few drops on a tissue and inhale throughout the day as needed.

With antispasmodic properties, mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and rub clockwise on your stomach if you suffer from diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, constipation, IBS, cramp, period pains and flatulence.

Use on your hands and feet if you suffer from poor circulation, although a full body massage would be beneficial in helping your circulation throughout. Use as a roller ball application to apply to your pulse points if you suffer from travel sickness or nausea. Or a few drops on a tissue or in a essential oil necklace for inhaling as needed.

Patchouli – This is a herb with white flowers and large green leaves which The oil is a thick brown often with a green tinge. Used as an antiseptic it is great for treating insect bites, cuts, cracked skin, infections, acne. Mix with a carrier oil or apply using your usual body lotions. It is good to use outdoors to repel insects such as flies and mosquitoes.

With antifungal properties patchouli essential oil can be used on athletes foot or fungal infections. As an astringent, use mixed with a toner or light carrier oil such as grapseed oil to wipe over the skin to help balance greasy skin and use a drop in your shampoo if you have greasy hair.

Use in a vaporiser if you suffer from anxiety, stress and depression, helping to provide clarity. Equally speak with a massage therapist and use in a full body massage. Be sure to smell first as some people don’t like the smell.

Pine (Scots) – With a fresh smell it is often used in cleaning products and car air fresheners, use in a room fragrancer/vaporiser to bring a fresh smell to the room. It can cause irritation to the skin so test before using on a small patch mixed with a carrier oil.

Good for using if you suffer from fatigue, exhaustion, anxiety or stress, a massage will always be an effective way to relieve these symptoms but you can also use a vaporiser to inhale in your room. Use in a steam inhalation for colds and flu as it is antiviral, antibacterial and an expectorant, helping to expel any nausea. With pain relieving properties it can help with arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle aches and pain. Mix with a carrier oil to massage gently into the affected area.

PMT – Bergamot essential oil can be used to treat the depression associated with PMT – use in massage or a bath, or vaporiser. If you are feeling irritable use lavender essential oil. Geranium essential oil is good to massage gently into tender breasts.

Petitgrain – Is an antidepressant and can help with insomnia as well as irritability. As it is a relaxant it can be used for anxiety, exhaustion, SAD, as well as stress related conditions. Good for greasy skin so can be used as a tonic, so put a drop in with your cleanser. Use if you suffer from flatulence, indigestion or IBS. Use as an alternative to bergamot as it is not a photosensitiser so you can use if you are likely to be out in the sunshine and it won’t effect your skin.

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, I hope you found this post helpful and it gave you an insight into the benefits of essential oils. Join me next month when I will be looking at the letter Q.

Have a great week and look after you!

Love Emma xx