I am back with the next post in my A-Z of Aromatherapy series. Today I am looking at the letter Q and R. As Q is very thin on the ground, I will cover the letter R as well. Let’s take a look and see what there is to discover.
Q
Quiet – Many of us like to enjoy a peaceful moment to ourselves. Using essential oils can help us to enjoy those moments. Lavender – The ultimate essential oil to use in quiet time will help to quiet an active mind. Or try sandalwood if you have a tendency to worry about the future and it is a challenge to switch off your thoughts.
R
Rose – This essential oil is expensive so always use sparingly. With its well known fragrance, it is often used in Facial skincare products. It is great for dry and sensitive skin, helping to hydrate as well as reduce redness in the cheeks. Add a drop to your moisturiser tub and mix well. Apply as normal. For dry hands mix in a drop with your current hand cream. It is a balancing oil so is great if you suffer from irregular periods or tend to get sad or weepy in your cycle. I would suggest mixing 5ml of a carrier oil such as grapeseed with 1 drop of rose and massaging into your lower stomach area in a clockwise direction.
Relaxation – Lavender essential oil is good to help you get out of your head and into a calm state. Clary Sage is an oil to use when you are pushed to the max and are suffering from nervous exhaustion and just need a break. Both of these oils are great for your nerves and worries, using them can ease you into relaxation and a good nights sleep, particularly if you suffer from insomnia. Use a few drops of both essential oils swirled through a bath a few hours before bedtime, relax and let the oils go to work. If you are suffering from stress, the best course of action is to have a relaxing massage to ease stress from your body. Using essential oils can bring about a state of calm and reduced tension in the body. Lavender is the go to for a relaxing massage, but ask your therapist to include another, such as clary sage, camomile and/or neroli.
Rosemary – This essential oil is great for stimulating the mind. It can help to give you clarity when indecisive as well as give you a boost when you are feeling lethargic and would prefer to spend the day in bed. I always say this is the best oil to use when you are studying or need to concentrate, use in a vaporiser or oil burner and inhale to aide your revision or help to get focused. Did you drink too much last night and are suffering today? Put two drops of rosemary into a vaporiser and inhale as it fragrances the room, it is quite strong so little is better. If you are feeling up to it, mix a drop of peppermint and rosemary oil together in 5ml of a carrier oil and massage a drop slowly into your temples, if that seems too much, then dab the oil onto your pulse points and temples and relax as best you can, drinking plenty of water. Avoid this oil if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or suffer from epilepsy.
Roman Camomile – It is often referred to as just Camomile, so make sure you check the label to ensure it is Roman Camomile you are purchasing. Camomile helps to calm an overactive mind and can help soothe you in times of worry. Use it in a vaporiser to spread the fragrance around your room. Breathe deep and enjoy. Or use as a cold compress to help ease sore and swollen joints. Mix a few drops in cold water, swirl around a compress, rinse and place on the affected area. When the compress cools, repeat. Camomile can help to calm a stressed or anxious person, whether used in a bath, massage or room fragrancer/vaporiser. Use alongside Lavender or as an alternative.
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, always check first. 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.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this months A-Z series. Join me next month when I’ll be looking at the letter S.
Thank you for reading. Have a great week and look after you!
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 