The Colour Therapy Professionals & Colour information resource

Essential oils

Aroma therapy is very popular and massage, using essential oils, is one of the most effective ways of utilizing the healing qualities of these oils.

Fragrance, in the form of essential oils, has been used in healing for thousands of years, even before the ancient Egyptians.

There are a number of other ways of using the oils in the home.

About Essential oils

The essential oils are extracted from plants and trees and fall in to 8 basic categories. That is:-

Citrus - eg. bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange.
Floral - eg. geranium, chamomile(Roman), rose otto, lavender, ylang ylang, neroli.
Herbaceous - eg. chamomile, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, clary sage.
Camphoraceous - eg. eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, tea tree.
Spicy - eg. coriander, black pepper, ginger, cardamom.
Resinous - eg. frankincense, myrrh, galbanum.
Woody - eg. cedarwood, sandalwood, juniper, cypress.
Earthy - eg. patchouli.

Some essences fall in to more than one group - this a a reflection of their complex makeup. The essences have many uses and one essence can have a number of different uses. Since they have an effect on the physical and the emotional, their uses vary depending on what effect is being sought. They can also be blended, thus giving even more possibilities.

Using Essential oils in the home

In bath water
You should be a little careful as some of the oils can cause skin irritation on some sensitive people. Run the bath so that it is comfortably warm, not very hot, as the oils will evaporate too quickly. Add 6 drops of oil to the bath and relax for at least 10 minutes. Contact with the eyes should be avoided.

In bath water

You should be a little careful as some of the oils can cause skin irritation on some sensitive people.

Run the bath so that it is comfortably warm, not very hot, as the oils will evaporate too quickly. Add 6 drops of oil to the bath and relax for at least 10 minutes. Contact with the eyes should be avoided.

Foot baths
A foot bath of say 2 pints of water to 6 drops of Tea Tree Oil is very good for athletes foot or other fungal infection.

Oil burners
Oil burners are very helpful during illness, particularly as they can protect the rest of the family from infection by airborne bacteria, such as cold and flu viruses. They can also help congestion of the chest and nasal passages. (See also inhalation for this). They can also be used to clear a smoky atmosphere in a room or simply to enhance the atmosphere in any room. Always read the manufacturers instructions for your oil burner

Oil burners

Oil burners are very helpful during illness, particularly as they can protect the rest of the family from infection by airborne bacteria, such as cold and flu viruses. They can also help congestion of the chest and nasal passages. (See also inhalation for this). They can also be used to clear a smoky atmosphere in a room or simply to enhance the atmosphere in any room.

Always read the manufacturers instructions for your oil burner

Light rings
Light rings are quite easy to obtain nowadays and sit on top of a light bulb in a table or standard lamp. The heat from the light bulb warms the ring and the fragrance of the oil, with which it has been impregnated, is given off. 2 - 3 drops of neat oil can be dropped on the light ring and refreshed many times as required. Always read the manufacturers instructions for your light rings

Light rings

Light rings are quite easy to obtain nowadays and sit on top of a light bulb in a table or standard lamp. The heat from the light bulb warms the ring and the fragrance of the oil, with which it has been impregnated, is given off. 2 - 3 drops of neat oil can be dropped on the light ring and refreshed many times as required.

Always read the manufacturers instructions for your light rings

Scalp massage
Scalp massage is something you can do for yourself, if there is no-one to do it for you. Essential oils can be beneficial for problems such as dandruff and even head lice.

Inhalation
Put hot water in a heat proof bowl and add 10 drops of essential oil to a pint of hot water. Agitate with a spoon or similar to disperse the oil. Inhale the fragrance from the steam (place a towel over your head as you inhale the steam from the bowl.) Camphor and Eucalyptus are very helpful for relieving catarrh and soothing the respiratory tract. Always be careful when using hot water

Inhalation

Put hot water in a heat proof bowl and add 10 drops of essential oil to a pint of hot water. Agitate with a spoon or similar to disperse the oil. Inhale the fragrance from the steam (place a towel over your head as you inhale the steam from the bowl.) Camphor and Eucalyptus are very helpful for relieving catarrh and soothing the respiratory tract.

Always be careful when using hot water

Humidifiers
These are a good idea for anyone with radiators in the home. They serve to put some moisture back in to the air - centrally heated houses can have a very dry atmosphere. And, they can be very handy for dispersing the fragrance of essential oils. Put a few drops of your chosen oil in the humidifier with the water and refill as necessary.