Customizing Guide for Essential Oils and Synergies
There are many ways to use essential oils for their fragrance and balancing properties. The proportions given for diluting essential oils are a guideline and you can adjust them to suit your preference. Strands takes no responsibility for the mixing of your own blends. The key to remember is that a little goes a long way. Essential oils should not be used undiluted on the skin, with the exception of lavender and tea tree, which are safe.
Synergies
A synergy is a blend of two or more essential oils. The combined effect is more powerful than the effect of the oils used individually. Sometimes, combining oils produces effects that can't be obtained from any individual oil. Synergies have to be added to a carrier product.
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Aromatic effects
The simplest way to use essential oils is to take the cap off the bottle and breathe deeply. It's effective and you can use it anywhere and anytime.
Diffuser: This is a small container that's filled with water and heated, usually by a candle. Add 6-10 drops of an essential oil to the water.
Aromatic mist: Create a natural air freshener to enhance the mood or freshen the air at home, office or in your car. Blend 40-75 drops of essential oil to 30ml or 1 oz. of unscented airiest or water. Shake and spray into the air.
Potpourri: Add 25-30 drops of essential oil to a potpourri that has lost its scent. Or, create your own potpourri. Add essential oil to dried leaves and flowers, mix together in an airtight container and cover. Set aside for a week to allow the leaves and flowers to absorb the oil. You can also use orris root to scent a potpourri mixture.
Vapour inhalation: This is particularly useful for respiratory discomfort. Add 4-8 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Bend your head forward so your face is directly over the bowl, then drape a towel over your head and the bowl, and breathe deeply for about 5 minutes.
Bath salts: Mix 8-12 drops of essential oil or synergy to 1-2 tablespoons of plain bath salts and 8 drops of A.T.S. essential oil mixer for a single bath.
Bath and shower gel: Mix 30 drops of essential oil or synergy to 30ml of unscented base for 2-3 baths.
Bath oil: Mix 20 drops to 30ml of non-foaming carrier oil and add 20 drops of A.T.S. oil mixer.
Foot and hand bath: Add 4-5 drops of essential oil and 5 drops of A.T.S. oil mixer.
Massage oil: Create your own massage oil by adding several drops of essential oil to 18-20 drops of carrier oils (see list) or A.T.S. massage oil blend or A.T.S. massage oil. For children use no more than 6 drops of essential oil.
Compress: Add 6 drops of essential oil and 6 drops of A.T.S. oil mixer to a bowl of hot or cold. Submerse a cotton or silk cloth in the water, wring out and place on area needing healing. Hot compresses are useful for muscular pain, cramps, after shaving, during your home facial regime and hair treatments. Cold compresses are useful for swelling, headaches and fevers.
Sauna: Mix 10-15 drops of essential oil and 15 drops of A.T.S. oil mixer to 250ml of water, pour on hot rocks a cup at a time.
Steam room: Pour 10-12 drops of essential oil near the steam outlet.
Jacuzzi: Mix 10-12 drops of essential oil or synergy to 40-50 drops of A.T.S. oil mixer and pour into jacuzzi.
Candle: Melt 1 oz. (30ml) wax in a double-boiler. Pour into mold and position wick. Add 60-30 drops (2-2.5ml) essential oil or synergy, stir lightly, cover and let cool down.
Perfume: Create your own perfume by adding 20-30 drops of essential oil to 30ml of A.T.S. perfume carrier. Leave in a dark place for two weeks to let the scents blend before using.
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Skin Care
Cleanser: Mix 12-15 drops of essential oil or synergy with 30ml of A.T.S. skin cleanser or unscented face wash.
Facial mask: Mix 3-4 drops of essential oil or synergy with 1 teaspoon of unscented face mask.
Body mask: Mix 12-15 drops of essential oil with 1 cup face or body mask.
Face oil: Mix 6-9 drops of essential or synergy with unscented base.
Hair Care
Shampoo and conditioners: Mix 8-10 drops of essential oil or synergy with 30ml (1 oz.) unscented base. Cut dosage in half for colour-treated hair (man-made pigment).
Scalp massage oil: Mix 8-10 drops of essential oil or synergy with 30ml carrier oil.
Scented papers
Party invitations, stationery: To infuse a whole box of card, papers and envelopes with scent, cut 4-5 pieces of blotting paper or cotton into 2 X 2cm strips. Apply 1 drop of essential oil to each strip and seal into air-tight bag or box for 48 hours.
Paper kitchen towels, toilet paper: Add 3-4 drops of essential oil to the inside of the roll.
Paper tissue: Add 4-5 drops of essential oil to a Strands unscented stone insert and place inside box.
Dryer sheets: Add 4-5 drops of essential oil to a dryer sheet to scent your clothes while they dry. |
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AROMATHERAPY TIPS
The Cost
of Essential Oils
Essential oils vary in price for a number of reasons. The cost depends on the particular plant, the extraction method, how widely the plant is grown, how much demand there is for the oil, how much essential oil the plant yields and even whether the plant is organically grown.
Some simple recipes for making everything from bath oils to scented papers. |
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