Category Archives: Personal Care

Sneezy routines, droplet days: Aromatherapy for chest congestion

Sneezing, cough and congestion are common during autumn or winter. Cold and flu are so common that almost everyone who has a low immunity level becomes vulnerable to it. Since the flu virus spreads from person to person very rapidly, preventing it can be difficult. Sinus infection can also be a source of headaches, runny noses and droplet infection if left untreated. However, the oral over the counter drugs that we take often fail to offer immediate or complete relief. This is why it becomes important to search for alternative remedies. Control over your condition can be achieved only through natural remedies like essential oils.

Essential oils for congestion: Chest congestion can be both painful and troublesome. You will have difficulty in breathing, excessive mucus blockage in the nasal passages accompanied by flu, cough and sniffles. It is always better to keep a stock of essential oils for treatment of such conditions. Some of the essential oils that help with chest and nasal congestion are – Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemon, Tea Tree oil, Ravensara, and Frankincense. Most of these essential oils have anti-viral properties which make them immuno-stimulators and flu-annihilators. They act upon the flu virus, and give immediate relief.


Below are some of the commonly-used essential oils for chest congestion:

1. Eucalyptus oil: When it comes congestion, nothing works like Eucalyptus oil. The active chemical compounds in the oil work well in clearing nasal blockages and sinus congestion. Like menthol, Eucalyptus oil acts on receptors in the nasal mucosa and reduce the symptoms of congestion. The astringent properties of the oil also help with reducing inflammation of the mucous membrane and the upper respiratory tract. The oil is also an antiseptic which has strong germicidal properties to effectively kill staphylococcus bacteria and also treat tuberculosis. Studies have proved that Eucalyptus is so vehement on bacteria that even a 2% diluted solution of the oil can kill 70% of air-bone staphylococcus bacteria.

With Eucalyptus oil, you can inhale it through steam inhalation or use an aromatherapy diffuser. The chemical component called ‘Eucalyptol’ in the oil will destroy the bacteria and loosen the phlegm.

2. Pine oil: Pine oil is good for highly congested chest or nose. Owing to its healing and strong aromatic properties, it helps with coughs, chills and aches related to flu and common cold.

3. Lavender and Peppermint oils: Lavender oils fight infection, reduces inflammation and eases congestion. Peppermint oil, like Lavender oil, reduces infection, clears congestion and kills the flu-virus.

Some of the methods that can clear congestion using these essential oils include – aromatherapy diffuser, steam inhalation and aromatic baths. Quick relief can be got by using Eucalyptus and Peppermint oil combined with steam. The steam opens up the blocked bronchial passages, making breathing a simple and easy affair. Another classic way to use essential oils is to add drops of the oils into a bowl of boiling water, lean over it and inhale the steam (from escaping) by covering with a towel. Doing this for five minutes can clear nasal congestion completely.

Chest-rub Massage oil:
This massage oil can be used for children who have bronchial or respiratory infection. It can be rubbed on to the chest for instant relief. Recipe includes –

  • 1 drop Lavender oil
  • 1 drop Tea Tree oil
  • 1 drop Niaouli oil
  • 1 drop Sandalwood oil
  • 25 ml of Jojoba oil

Mix the oils and when the blend is ready, massage them on to the chest for congestion relief.

Don’t grit your teeth in pain: 6 toothache aromatherapy remedies

Ouch, it hurts! Nothing can be more annoying than a severe pain in the tooth. You would barter anything for it as toothache can be simply irritating and often debilitating to anyone who has been through it. What more, your oral hygiene determines your entire body’s hygiene. If there is something wrong with your oral health, it is an indicator that something is wrong or going to be wrong with your body. Poor tooth and gums need medical attention and nutritional supervision.

Essential oils can be extremely helpful in maintaining oral hygiene. Aromatherapy can help kills germs, treat tooth and gum disorders and aid one in maintaining a sweet smelling breath. Below are a list of remedies on what to do when you have toothache or occasional sore gums or in case of a foul breath.


1. Mouth Rinsing: If you have pain in your teeth, rinse with the following essential oils – Myrrh, Chamomile, Peppermint, Tea Tree oil etc. To prepare a recipe, simply add 1-2 drops of essential oils in 2 oz of warm water and gargle in your mouth. Repeat several times a day to alleviate the pain.

2. Toothache oil: Use the following oils and prepare a toothache oil recipe – 1 tbsp of Carrier oil, 6 drops of Tea tree oil, 4 drops of Chamomile oil, 2 drops of Myrrh and 2 drops of Peppermint. Blend all the oils together and shake well before use. Apply one drop of the blend in the aching tooth and surrounding gum.

3. Clove oil: Clove oil is often used for toothaches. Add a drop of Clove oil to a cotton ball and apply to the pain area or press against the gum of the affected tooth. You can also replace Myrrh if you have mouth sores. To use Myrrh, use 1-2 drops of with warm water and rinse the mouth with it several times a day.

4. Simple Mouthwash: Foul smelling breath can create a bad reputation for you in the society, among your peers, colleagues and friends. To create a simple refreshing mouthwash, add 4 drops of Lemon with 2 drops of Peppermint in 2 cups of distilled water. Shake the blend well and swish a mouthful for about one minute and spit out. You will feel refreshed after this mouth rinse.

5. Therapeutic Gum Mouthwash: This therapeutic gum mouthwash can treat your gums from becoming sore and painful. To prepare this blend, add 6 drops of Myrrh with 10 drops of Tea Tree oil, 1 drop of Peppermint, 3 drops of Lemon oil, 1 teaspoon of Almond oil and mix together. Apply a small amount to the gums once a day and rinse your mouth with it everyday. If the sores in your mouth or pain in your teeth does not heal, check with a  dentist.

6. Breath Refreshing Mouthwash: Add to 8 oz of water 2 drops of Myrrh, 2 drops of Tea Tree oil and 1 drop of Peppermint. Mix everything together and swish in your mouth a small amount of the blend. Keep the blend in a plastic jar or glass bottle away from the reach of pets or children.

The bliss of bathing: 5 ways to use essential oils for bathing

Bathing can be really blissful if you know how to add essential oils to your bath. It not just cleanses of all our accumulated pollution but also heals a lot of ailments, helps cure sleep disorders, smelling bodies and tightened muscles. A bath is a great way to kickstart your day or pamper your fragile ego. You can use bathing to create a perfect evening with your partner or rest in deep sleep at night. The uses of bathing with essential oils are plenty and this article will elaborate on how to make most of bathing using essential oils.

Bathing with essential oils: You need to use essential oils depending on the type of bath you are in need of. This means, if you want to activate your muscles or relax your body, you should use particular essential oils that would invigorate or relax and not otherwise. Here are some ideas to surround yourself in a soothing and relaxing water environment:


1. A morning bath: If you are into the habit of bathing yourself in the morning, you can add a few essential oils like Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rosemary, Fennel, Clary Sage, Black Pepper, Jasmine etc. Your morning bath is to kickstart your day. So, make it as invigorating as possible – keep it at a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees F and then, add 6 to 7 drops of essential oils. If you have bright or sunny plants or flowers in your bathroom, it would be a great boost to your day. Never listen to cheery music or the early news in your morning bath. It would be good if you are focused on only your bath and nothing else.

2. To pamper yourself: If you have a bruised ego or want to get rid of all the bashing you had to go through the day, this should be your ideal bath. Heat the bathwater up to 95 to 100 degrees F and add 6 to 7 drops of the following essential oils – Lavender, Melissa, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Neroli, Bergamot, Juniper etc. Use soft lighting – just a few candles – to make your water environment better. You can listen to songs that would cheer you up. But don’t opt for sad melodies. Since this is about feeling centered, it is better to unplug your phone and other distractions.

3. For relaxing muscles: If you have had a long, tiresome day, a good way to treat yourself is to have a relaxing bath. Better if you take a cooler bath of about 98 to 99 degrees F and take a long soak. Better if you have low lights and remove all sorts of distractions. Unplug yourself from everything when you take this bath. Once the bathwater is drawn, add 6 to 7 drops of the following oils – Basil, Neroli, Marjoram, Ginger, Black Pepper, Rosemary etc.

4. For a perfect evening with loved one: If you want to have a perfect romantic evening with your loved one, aromatherapy can be one of the best ways to get into mood. A bath can be an interlude to an intimate evening and you can even ask your partner to join you in the bath. Add the following oils to your bathwater at a lukewarm temperature – Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Petitgrain, Sandalwood and Carnation. Keep the lighting very low and scatter rose petals in your bath tub to make the environment more romantic.

5. Get ready to sleep: You can use bathing to even induce sleep. If you have a nice bath, you will surely  not only take care of your hygiene, but also be gifted with a relaxing bath. Make your bath at about 98 to 105 degrees F and add the following essential oils – Melissa, Lavender, Chamomile Roman, Clary sage, Petitgrain, Frankincense, Neroli etc. Wallow in water for about 15 minutes and then, go to sleep. You will experience a deep sleep after this relaxing bath.

No my-foot-remedies: Anti-fungal oils treatment for athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is an annoyance to anyone who has it or suffered through it. Though a common foot fungus, it is quite contagious and can be transmitted via locker room floors, swimming pools, gym change rooms and other warm and wet areas. It is estimated that about 70% of the population is infected by this condition at some point in their lives. Though anyone is vulnerable to the condition, athletes, especially swimmers and sprinters, are the most infected group. This article will elaborate on how anti-fungal essential oils have the potential to heal athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot – An overview: Athlete’s foot is otherwise called Tinea Pedis. Caused by a fungus, the skin condition occurs to people constantly exposed to damp and warm environments. The fungus thrives only in dark, wet and warm places like in the saunas, gym, worn out gym clothes etc. Athlete’s foot can infect a person without any major signs. Meaning, an individual will not be aware of the infection until the symptoms appear. Symptoms of athlete’s foot are: itching and burning of the skin; skin ruptures; redness or white color skin; crackled, peeled and blistered skin. The fungus occurs in the feet, mostly in between the toes or on the soles of the feet.

Essential oil cure for athlete’s foot: The first basic step toward treating athlete’s foot is to maintain proper hygiene. The next step is to kill the fungus through topical creams or oral antibiotics.  You can also use natural therapies to cure the skin condition and aromatherapy is just one of them. Essential oils or plant extracts have the potential to completely eliminate the fungus and heal the infection. This is because essential oils are absorbed easily and quickly into the body. They also respond and react well, thanks to their anti-fungal and skin-healing properties. Research has now revealed that essential oils can be used to treat all kinds of skin infections from acne to psoriasis and athlete’s foot.

Anti-fungal oil blends for athlete’s foot: Most of the essential oils are effective skin-healers, but only a handful have strong anti-fungal properties. You need to choose oils of therapeutic grade quality and mix them on a 50:50 ratio with base oils or vegetable oils. Better to use extra virgin Olive oil or Jojoba oil. Once mixed, you can apply the blend directly on to your foot fungus and see the healing happen. Some of the best anti-fungal oils you can use are: Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Niaouli, Oregano, Lavender, Peppermint, Clove and Mountain Savory. Some possible base oils other than Olive and Jojoba are Sesame seed, Wheat gram, Grapeseed and Avocado oils.

Foot powder with essential oils: If you are not comfortable with an oily blend, you can mix essential oils to make a foot powder and apply on to your fungal infection. To make a foot powder, mix 25 drops of Tea Tree oil, 8 drops of Olive oil and 8 drops of Peppermint oil with ¼ cup of cornstarch in a plastic bag. Once the oils blend completely with the starch, take the powder out of the plastic bag and apply on the infected area.