This week is the continuation of my A – Z of Aromatherapy series. Today we are looking at the letter S. I will look at ailments and oils beginning with S to help you in your daily life or when something crops up you need to deal with.
S
Sadness – If you are feeling down or are sad for whatever reason, and you are looking to help yourself move forward, then try using a drop of rose oil mixed with some grapeseed oils and put this on your pulse points, or put a few drops into a vaporiser and inhaled the wonderful sent. This oil is an antidepressant so will help to lift your mood.
Self Confidence – If you are lacking in self confidence then use bergamot or grapefruit essential oil in a room diffuser to help you go forth with your day and feel good, capable and that you’ve got this! Bergamot is an uplifting oil and grapefruit is an anti-depressant. Why not use as you are getting ready for work. Alternatively place a drop of each on a tissue and inhale throughout your day.
Shock – If you have had a shock, place a few drops of peppermint oil onto a tissue and inhale. Alternatively use neroli. If you are at home, use a diffuser.
Stress – If you are feeling stressed then I would suggest using the following essential oils – neroli is a great stress reliever and helping with your emotions and bergamot with it’s uplifting properties mixed well with neroli. Ideally you would want to have a regular massage using these two oils and whilst it isn’t easy to give yourself a back massage, you can alternatively massage your arms, hands, legs, feet, face and head. Focus on one area and massage the blend – 2 drops of each mixed with 15ml of grapeseed oil. You may just wish to give yourself an arms massage but this can really help. You can use this blend in a vaporiser as well or use on your pulse points throughout your day. If you wish to have a bath, I would recommend mixing the above with a drop or two of chamomile as well to help you relax and be calm.
Sunburn – proceed with caution as your skin will be very delicate following time in the sun. Mix a few drops of chamomile or lavender essential oil with either sweet almond oil or jojoba oil and gently dab onto the skin. Alternatively have a cool bath and put this mix into your bath. Lavender can be used neat but proceed with caution as it could irritate your skin so always do a test patch first. Lavender is a great antiseptic and will help to relieve pain.
Sickness – whether caused by a stomach upset, travel or overeating, a gentle massage of the stomach in a clockwise direction can help. Use 2 drops essential oil to 5ml of carrier oil. Grapeseed oil is good as a carrier as it is less greasy. Peppermint oil is great for travel sickness, overeating or digestive issues and black pepper is good if you have stomach pains. Although be sure to get them checked out by a doctor first.
Sinusitis – If you are suffering from head pain then steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil and lavender can help ease the pain. Eucalyptus is good for helping get rid of congestion cause by catarrh. You may consider steam inhaling with tea tree oil as well as this can help to eradicate any infection still hanging about.
Sleep – To help you sleep or drift off, use lavender or camomile as these are both sedative oils and can help calm you and promote a good nights sleep. Put a drop on your pillow or use a pillow spray made up of boiling water that has cooled along with several drops of lavender oil. Spray once or twice and inhale the aroma and close your eyes.
Sandalwood – With a woody fragrance, this essential oil is great for the skin and also the throat area. If you are suffering from bronchitis, sore throat, hoarseness or you have lost your voice, sandalwood can help. Massage, use a compress, steam inhalation or vaporiser. With its antiseptic properties it is good for treating the above. As an expectorant it can help clear catarrh and ease coughs.
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 T.
Thank you for reading. Have a great week and look after you!
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 