Skin
Lemon Oil Skin Toner
Lemon oil is an astringent – meaning that it constricts bodily tissues when applied topically. For this reason, Lemon oil may be used for deep cleansing of the skin while also shrinking pores. Terrific for oily skin types, Lemon oil acts as a natural toner that reduces the amount of sebum (oily or waxy substances) produced by the sebaceous glands. Since overactive sebaceous glands are a major cause of acne, cysts, hyperplasia, and other inflammations of the skin, adding Lemon oil to your daily skin care regimen can help heal and prevent breakouts.
Recipe:
- ½ cup of water
- ½ cup of witch hazel
- 40 drops of Lemon essential oil
Use as you would any skin toner or astringent.
Lemon Oil Precautions
Like many citrus essential oils, Lemon oil is phototoxic. This means that when an essential oil is applied topically, exposure to sunlight (UV rays to be exact) causes the skin to become hyper-sensitive and burn much more easily. It is recommended to stay out of direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after using Lemon oil on the skin.
From: Natural Living Ideas
Treat Candida With Lemon Oil
Most commonly expressed as a yeast infection when it’s running rampant, Candida is a class of fungus that is often a normal part of good oral and intestinal health. Its overgrowth, however, can affect the skin, throat, mouth, genitals, and, if left untreated, can even invade the blood.
Because of its antifungal properties, Lemon oil can be used as a natural remedy for yeast infections. A recent study found that Lemon oil was able to inhibit the growth of various Candida strains. This is likely because of Lemon oil’s high monoterpenoid content, which has an antimicrobial effect. You can use the following recipe as an external skin treatment once per day. If there’s no improvement after a week, you should see a healthcare practitioner.
Recipe:
- 3 cups of lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 3 drops of Lemon oil
- 4 drops of Tea Tree oil
Lemon Oil Precautions
Like many citrus essential oils, Lemon oil is phototoxic. This means that when an essential oil is applied topically, exposure to sunlight (UV rays to be exact) causes the skin to become hyper-sensitive and burn much more easily. It is recommended to stay out of direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after using Lemon oil on the skin.
From: Natural Living Ideas
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium works profoundly on the emotions and is useful in many medical conditions – and smells wonderful while it works so hard. The oil is extracted not from the familiar brightly colored geranium but from the species Pelargonium – Geranium Robert or “lemon plant” – which is very often displayed in abundance in Greek restaurants.
- Application:
Diffuse and apply topically. May be added to food or soy / rice milk as a dietary supplement. Apply where you would use a deodorant.
- Fragrant Influence:
It may help to release negative memories. It may also help ease nervous tension and stress, balance the emotions, lift the spirit, and foster peace, well-being, and hope.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
Geranium will make chilblains disappear overnight and brings a radiant glow when used in skin care. This oil is useful in applications for aged, wrinkling or older skin, as well as for healing balms and salves after facial or plastic surgery.
More importantly, it is a vital component in the treatment of endometriosis, is very effective for menopausal problems, diabetes, blood disorders, throat infections, and as a nerve tonic, and works well as a sedative.
When inhaled the scent is antidepressant, uplifting, averts tension, and is stimulating to the psyche.
It is reputed to help in cases of uterine and breast cancer and if nothing else, would certainly help the patient to relax and cope with the pain. Geranium has many applications, from frostbite to infertility, and its antiseptic and astringent properties contribute to its general usefulness. Its delightful floral fragrance makes it a pleasure to use, either on its own or as a contributory oil in blends.
Information collected from various sources
Chamomile Essential Oil
There are several types of chamomile essential oil. German Chamomile is an excellent variety and its beautiful deep dark blue color, due to its high azulene content, comes as a bonus. Another excellent variety, Roman chamomile, is particularly good for the treatment of nervous conditions and insomnia. Beware though of chamomile Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis) which is not a true chamomile and cannot be used as such.
Generalities
Chamomile is that wonderful yellow daily-like flower that is used for everything: cosmetics, fragrance, oil, herbal baths, soothing tea. The root is used for toothache and the entire plant in herbal therapeutics. The whole plant is used from root to flower. The essence is obtained by steam distillation of the flowers. Chamomile smells sweet, resembling fresh golden apples, and this fruity scent has given it the name of Manzanilla in Spanish-speaking countries.
The Egyptians had a great reverence for Chamomile and used it in massage oils to remove aches and pains. Sports-minded people will like using the flowers in a bath for relaxation and to ease aching muscles. This plant was one of the favored strewing herbs of the Middle Ages, to sweeten the air of a room and create a relaxing atmosphere.
The scent is rejuvenative and especially helpful to those of a sensitive nature. Inhaling the herby, aromatic, slightly bitter but always refreshing scent of Chamomile will ease your depression, soothe your irritable nature, lull you into a restful sleep and calm you. Use the oil straight or use it in combinations to relax and soothe a busy household after a trying day.
A busy person might like dabbing a drop or two of Chamomile oil on the forearm, to inhale occasionally during the day , for relaxation and to allay temper. Remember that oil of Chamomile is recommended for use in the diffusor, in a child’s room, for the anesthetic, for the calm that will come, for sweet sleep.
German Chamomile
German chamomile has been highly esteemed for over 3,000 years and has been used for many types of skin conditions and stress related complaints.
- Application:
Diffuse, add to food or water as a dietary supplement, or apply topically on location. Among the gentlest oils used in aromatherapy, the chamomiles are suitable for use on children.
- Fragrant Influence:
Dispels anger, stabilizes emotions, and helps release emotions linked to the past. It may also be used to soothe and clear the mind.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
German chamomile is a cleanser of the blood, helps increase liver function and secretion, and supports the pancreas. German chamomile promotes the regeneration of skin and can be used for abscesses, burns, rashes, cuts, dermatitis, teething pains, acne, eczema, chronic gastritis, infected nails, cystitis, inflamed joints, menopausal problems, sores, skin disorders, stress related complaints, toothaches, ulcers and wounds.
Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile is used extensively in Europe for the skin. For centuries, mothers have used Roman chamomile to calm crying children, ease earaches, reduce fevers, soothe stomachaches and indigestion, and relieve toothaches and teething pain.
- Application:
Diffuse or apply topically on bottom of feet, ankles, wrists or on location. Add to food or soy / rice milk as a dietary supplement. Among the gentlest oils used in aromatherapy. All of the chamomiles are suitable for use on children.
- Fragrant Influence:
Because it is calming and relaxing, it can combat depression, insomnia, and stress. It minimizes anxiety, irritability, and nervousness. It may also dispel anger, stabilize the emotions, and help to release emotions that are linked to the past.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Test for skin sensitivity.
Roman chamomile neutralizes allergies and increases the ability of the skin to regenerate. It may help calm and relieve restlessness and tension. Its anti-infectious properties benefit cuts, scrapes, and bruises It is a cleanser of the blood and also helps the liver discharge poisons.
This oil may help with allergies, bruises, cuts, depression, insomnia, muscle tension, nerves (calming and promoting nerve health), restless legs, and skin conditions, such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, rashes, and sensitive skin. It can effectively minimize irritability and nervousness in hyperactive children.
Collected from various sources
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring, and also stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate more quickly.
- Application:
Diffuse or apply topically. Has a wide range of uses. Apply where you would use a deodorant. Safe for use on small children. May also be added to food or soy/rice mil as a dietary supplement.
- Fragrant Influence:
Calming, relaxing, and balancing, both physically and emotionally.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult physician.
Lavender is capable of many important jobs and is a delight to use. Every home should have a bottle of lavender, if no other oil, because it is so very effective in the treatment of burns and scalds. Lavender is beneficial for cleansing cuts and wounds and is ideal for skin care, since it prevents the build up of excess sebum, a skin oil that bacteria feed on. Lavender has also been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects.
Although not known specifically as a circulatory stimulant, lavender oil certainly seems to allay the effects of clinical shock and as a mood tonic and antidepressant it helps to deal with the psychological shock of injury.
The French scientist Rene Gatefosse was the first to discover lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident. Today, lavender is one of the few essential oils to still be listed in the British Pharmacopoeia.
It also has a multitude of other qualities which make it a truly indispensable oil. This is one of the oils that should be on your number one list – and particularly of use in a first aid kit and for children and pets. It is good for camping because it repels fleas and flying creatures like mosquitoes.
Collected from various sources
The Patch Test
Some oils have been known to cause irritation, allergic reactions, or sensitivities on some people. However, all substances have been implicated to some degree in unpleasant reactions on someone… so it would be wise to try the patch test before using a new essential oil or any other cosmetic substance externally.
If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies, then by all means use a patch test to gauge your relative sensitivity to essential oils.
Here’s how to do it:
Wash an area on your forearm about the size of a quarter and dry it carefully. Apply a drop of the essential oil. If you are very sensitive in general you may wish to dilute the oil equally with a bland carrier oil such as Olive oil and apply this dilution.
Then add a loose Band-Aid and wait 24 hours. If there is no reaction – terrific – go ahead and use the oil in your formulas. Do, however, keep all essential oils away from the eyes and from moist mucous areas in general.
From: The Aromatherapy Handbook
