Aromatherapy
Feel stressed? It’s not surprising when you consider what you have done before your day officially begins. You have already coped with making breakfast (or nagging others to do it), left the home tidy, organized the children, taken them to school, and then coped with rush-hour traffic to get to the place where you are officially to get to the place where you are officially starting work! No wonder you feel permanently tired and edgy.
I have found that, with a little forethought, many of the stresses in our lives can be either reduced or eliminated altogether. We put up with things because that is how they have always been (and, if we are honest, because it is easy to be a martyr). It’s time to reorganize. In conjunction with this reorganization, make sure that you are using essential oils, eating well, sleeping well, having fun, exercise, and leisure time, and communicating with your family and friends.
Essential oils are available everywhere, even the local supermarket, but be careful what you buy, as most of the cheaper ones are blends. It’s all a matter of “you get what you pay for” with essential oils. The most expensive are always the most pure. But please try to make your own if you can. Begin by sticking to the simple herbs like lavender, and you will soon find it the most rewarding experience you can have, by treating your family and friends with pure, safe, and lovingly prepared oils.
The following recipes will help to ensure that your life becomes easier and more joyful.
Workplace stress busters
Whether you work alone, as id do, or in a busy, noisy office, or factory, there are stresses with which one has to contend. It is important to first sit down and itemize which parts of your day are the most stressful. For instance, do demands from other people interfere with your own work? Do you have too high expectations of yourself or others? Are you subject to high noise levels, isolation, or being on your feet or on your bottom for excessive lengths of time, and are you in an unhealthily synthetic environment? You will probably be able to add many more stress factors to this list.
Children also have their own stresses to contend with, and essential oils can help to create a productive and happy day at school. It has been my experience that children respond more quickly than adults to essential oils and love having their own in special bottle of oils. Any of the following recipes and suggestions may be used by school-age children, but the strength will have to be adapted to suit their age. I wouldn’t suggest giving a bottle of the oils to children under the age of 10 years, but rather putting a few drops on absorbent cotton (cottonwool) and slipping them into the school bag, pocket, or other convenient place for them to sniff during the day.
Oils for school-age children (five to puberty)
All the oils considered safe for adults may be used but in smaller amounts.
• In bathwater – 5-8 drops of appropriate essential oil with 1 tablespoon olive oil and dispersed thoroughly into the bath water.
• Massage – 16-20 drops (total) mixed or single essential oils in ½ cup mixed olive and almond oils. Shake well before use.
• Air sprays – Use one-quarter the adult amount for a 5-year-old, gradually increasing (drop by drop) with child’s age.
Day break for girls
The “smooth you out and perk you up” blend to begin your day.
• 1 teaspoon lavender essential oil
• ½ teaspoon bergamot essential oil
• ½ teaspoon geranium essential oil
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 20 drops clary sage essential oil
To make and use
Place all ingredients in a labeled, dropper bottle and shake to blend. If possible leave for four days to synergize. Store in a dark, cool place.
• Add 5 drops of the blend to 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil. Use as a body oil after your shower.
• Put 2-3 drops on a wet wash cloth, squeeze to spread the oils and use to wipe over your body in the shower before drying yourself.
• Put 2 drops on absorbent cotton (cottonwool) and tuck it in the front of your bra where the heat of your body will evaporate the oil.
• Put 2-3 drops on absorbent cotton (cottonwool) or tissue and tuck it in your pocket, handbag, or purse to enliven you each time you open it.
• Put a couple of drops on a tissue to inhale while getting ready for work.
• Wipe a few drops of the blend over the dashboard of the car.
• Add 5 drops to 2 fl oz (60 ml) atomizer of water. Shake well then spray on the face, avoiding the eye are.
Day break for guys
• 1 teaspoon bergamot essential oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon essential oil
• ½ teaspoon rosemary essential oil
• ½ teaspoon cedarwood essential oil
To make and use
Place all ingredients in a labeled, dropper bottle and shake to blend. If possible leave for four days to synergize. Store in a dark, cool place.
• Use in an aftershave or toilet water splash.
• Add 5 drops of the blend to 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil. Use as a body oil after your shower.
• Put 2-3 drops on a wet wash cloth, squeeze the oils and use to wipe over your body in the shower before drying yourself.
• Put 2-3 drops on absorbent cotton (cottonwool) or tissue, and tuck it in your pocket to give you a reviving lift.
• Put a couple of drops on a tissue to inhale while getting ready for work.
• Wipe a few drops of the blend over the dashboard of the car.
• Add 5 drops to 2 fl oz (60 ml) atomizer of water. Shake well then spray on the face, avoiding the eye area.
