Category Archives: Uses of Essential Oils

Personal Care, Uses of Essential Oils

Bathing as a ritual: How to use aromatherapy for an exotic bathing experience

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Bathing is an ancient ritual that has a relaxing and luxurious effect on the body. Right from the ancient Egyptians like Cleopatra to Greeks and Romans, enjoyed the stimulating and soothing effect of bathing. This is especially true if you go in for an aromatic bath that includes essential oils as bath oils, bath salts and bath fizzies/bombs. Bathing, when adhered to as a ritual, can eliminate toxins from your body and cleanse the inner you in a more spiritual and aromatic way. This is article will discuss on how to use bathing as an exotic way to get rid of toxins, fevers etc from your body.

Bathing as a ritual: Aromatherapy baths can be extremely therapeutic, thanks to the use of essential oils to soothe and calm the body on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Therapeutic action of aromatherapy essential oils is two-fold. Essential oils are absorbed into the skin and enter the circulatory system; the aromas enter the limbic system through the brain and stir an impact on the major systems of the body. Soaking your body in an aromatic bath can play an important role in relaxing muscles, reducing joint stiffness, increasing suppleness and alleviating aches/pains. An aromatic bath can tone down your skin, stimulate your body and detoxify you from anxiety, tension and ill-feelings.


How to create an exotic bathing experience? Bathing can be exotic when used in the right way. Basically, the effect of bathing depends on the temperature of bath water and the kind of essential oils used. Below are a few pros and cons of having a hot, warm and cold water bath.

Hot Bath: You can have baths at about 100 – 104 degrees F or 38 to 40 degrees C. A bath hotter than this can damage your delicate blood vessels and sebaceous glands. So, ensure that you use a hot bath that can suffice your body temperature and does not incur any harm to you, whatsoever. This kind of bath can treat fevers and eliminate toxins from your body. If you feel the water maybe too hot for you to bear, use warm water initially and then add hot water to it. After your hot bath, wear warm cotton pajamas or night gown and slip into bed ensuring that you promote sweating to eliminate your body toxins. You can use the below recipe to enhance such a bathing experience. Add evergreen bath salts that can stimulate an aggressive response from your body – 1 cup of baths salt, 10 drops of Eucalyptus, 10 drops of Pine oil and 15 drops of Tea Tree oil.

Warm Bath: A warm bath is always soothing and relaxing to the body. A warm bath can be 80 to 90 degrees F or 27 to 34 degrees C. It is a general encouragement to stimulate the natural functions of the body. Gentle on the skin and calming to the body, a warm bath can be preferred after a long, hard day at work.

Cold Bath: A cold bath can tone your skin and activate your body functions. Generally, a temperature of the bath should be 70 to 80 degrees F or 21 to 27 degrees C. Cold baths help with respiration and improve the elasticity of your muscles. Best time to engage in a cold bath is the morning as it reduces fatigue and inspires you with refreshing energy.



Emotional Well-being, Uses of Essential Oils

Banish the negative: How to cultivate positivity with essential oils

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Negativity is all around us. Believe it or not, even a smirk or a harsh word thrown at us has a tremendous negative influence over our life. This negativity breeds more negativity, resulting in annihilation of an environment  that is devoid of anything lively or inspiring. We get into monotonous routines, complaining of things and monologuing about our present state of affairs. Above all, we lose interest in life and drag ourselves to do things that we should be accomplishing with a sense of feat. To combat negativity often does not require just a change of mind, but a change in the environment too. This does not mean we need to holiday in an exotic island to get a treat of the positives of our life. It is enough if we recognize and enjoy what is positive about things and situations around us. Essential oils can help us do this with some strong, spiritual and silence-inducing aromatherapy treatments.

How to banish the negative: Cut the crap of negativity that surrounds you. It can be people, things, relationships, jobs, financial agreements or tiresome physical habits. If you have a repulsion toward something, understand that there is basically something wrong about the thing or the person. Analyze your situation and make decisions. Try cultivating a positive approach to your life. If you are able to bring in positivity, go deep into the situation and dig out the negatives. This can mean going into a meditative or mental cleansing state. Essential oils can help you do this through their aromas. They can uplift your spirit and infuse positives into your life.

Essential oils are generally aromatic. They work because they connect directly to the limbic system of the brain, unlike the other medicines or drugs which need to be dissolved into the blood stream to produce a reaction/response. Since the limbic system is one of the most effective and most ancient systems in the body, it has direct control over all the most important systems, including the heart, the digestive systems and other body parts. Essential oils work by uplifting the spirit, purifying your immediate environment and thereby combating negativity in our life.

Essential oils for combating negativity: Several civilizations have used essential oils for banishing negativity in life. One of the primary reasons for using aromatic oils in Christianity, Native American and Hindu or Persian tradition is to abolish sabotaging influences. The below list of oils have helped remove negativity from ancient times and can do the same with you too: Atlas Cedarwood, Cypress, Common Sage, Hyssop, Lemon, Juniper Berry, Lime, Myrrh, Peppermint, Spearmint and Virginian Cedarwood. You can use these oils in air fresheners or diffusers or even use them as bath oils in your daily routine. Adding them to your daily routine helps immediatley fight any kind of negative influence in your life.



Aromatherapy Facts, For Family, Uses of Essential Oils

Aromatherapy by astrology: 12 signature oils for 12 astrology signs

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Astrology and aromatherapy. Is there a connection? There is, say the experts. Yes, human beings can be treated with aromatherapy based on their zodiac or Sun signs. People belonging to different astrology signs have different characteristics and those that belong the same sign have similar personality traits. Aromatherapists say based on people’s signs and  the same characteristics that are associated with the signs, we can use essential oils as preventative treatment and for healing purposes. However, this has to be done after understanding the positive traits and the negative physical/emotional issues specific to the sign the person belongs to. This kind of aromatherapy will be useful to individuals who cannot afford to find themselves a personal aromatherapist. If you find yourself with a dominant trait that is associated with your sign, make use of these oils to treat yourself/loved ones.

Aromatherapy by astrology signs: This is not something new in the realm of aromatherapy. Many expert aromatherapists have suggested treatment by astrology signs and some of them are: Patricia Davis and Stephanie Gailing.     Davis details about the connection between oils and sun signs in her book, ‘Astrological Aromatics’ and Stephanie does the same in the book, ‘Planetary Apothecary’.


The first step in aromatherapy by astrology is to identify the personality traits of each and every sign and then, adopt to a treatment based on that. There are people who are often cusps of signs (who have traits of two signs). For such people, treatment should be given after identifying which sign is dominant in them. Below are a list of traits of particular signs and the suggested oil to combat such traits. Other than this, you can also use oils that are helpful in combating traits dominant in you.

Aquarius: An Aquarian is a person with the following traits: altruistic, egalitarian, friendly, eccentric, philanthropic, detached, innovative, rebellious and independent. The oil suitable for this type of individual is Neroli.

Pisces: Born between February 19th and March 20th, Pisceans are mostly dreamers, romantics, imaginative and creative people. They are empathetic, psychic, idealistic and selfless. An ideal oil for their spiritual and forgiving nature is Melissa.

Aries: With the swiftness of Mars, Aries individuals act in a willful, enterprising and assertive way. They pioneer whatever they do and are impulsive and brave always. A suitable oil for them is Rosemary.

Taurus: Born between April 20 and May 20, Taureans are best when it comes to hard work. They are sensual, grounded, steadfast, stubborn, predictable and practical. They long for security and often seek serenity.  A suitable oil for them is Rose.

Gemini: Geminis have the gift of Mercury and are extremely talkative by nature. They are curious, adaptable to any situation, quick-witted, youthful and spontaneous in all that they do. Ideal oil for them is Basil.

Cancer: Cancer is a caring sign and everything about the sign is nurturing, sensitive, hospitable and sympathetic. Cancerians tend to get moody at times and hence, need to be tempered with Blue Chamomile oil.

Leo: Leos are the kings and queens of the zodiac. They are self-expressive, generous, faithful, dominant, charismatic, courageous and dignified. Dramatic in all they do, they can be haughty sometimes. The best oil for Leos is Jasmine.

Virgo: Analytical, productive and perfectionist, Virgos are rational and insightful in things they accomplish or intend to accomplish. They are the most methodical of signs and hence need relaxation with Lavender oil.

Libra: Libras are poised well in a tough situation. They are diplomatic, sociable, stylish and charming to associate with. Geranium is best suited for their gracious yet often frivolous nature.

Scorpio: Scorpio is passionate and emotional many a times. To combat their secretive, forceful and brooding nature, they need Patchouli oil.

Sagittarius: Adventurous and optimistic, Sagittarians are the adventurers of the zodiac. They are versatile, zealous and exuberant in all that they do. The best oil for Sagittarius individuals is Black Pepper.

Capricorn: Capricorns are the loyal, hard working and pragmatic individuals of the zodiac. However, they can hold grudges, be over-ambitious and frugal sometimes. To combat their negative traits, the best oil is Vetiver.



Emotional Well-being, Uses of Essential Oils

A call to your Higher Self: 6 kinds of essential oils for spirituality

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New Age living incorporates both the material and the spiritual in our lives. People of the post-modern era do not just surf or sky-dive or travel continents, but also meditate and relish in their own spirituality or godliness. Though there maybe several contradictions regarding the practice of spirituality, people who engage in it say that they have found solace and peace of mind in such practices. This article is to those few who find respite in spirituality and ruminate about a  spiritual approach to life.

Essential oils for spirituality: This has happened from existence. Yes, essential oils have played a phenomenal role in the daily spiritual life of people in various religions, communities and races. Right from the ancient Indians to the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans and the Persians, many civilizations have used essential oils for different kinds of religious and daily worship rituals. Incorporating essential oils in your daily prayer or spiritual schedule can be a remarkable way to attain spiritual bliss and peace. Though there are a list of essential oils for spiritual practices, none is particularly designated for spirituality. In general, it is the oil of your choice. If a particular essential oil appeals to you personally, you can try using it in your spiritual practices. Who knows, it may help you connect with your higher self instantly. For instance, if Manuka or Bergamot appeal to you, you can use them in your daily worship even if they are not listed as spirituality oils.


Below are a list of few essential oils that can enhance your spiritual fervor:

1. Oils for grounding/self assertiveness: If you are low on self esteem and require oils to boost your confidence and find a way to connect to your spiritual self, these are the best: Altas Cedarwood, Frankincense, Galbanum, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Vetiver and Virginian Cedarwood. Make blends using any of the oils and use it in the diffuser in your worship or meditation room.

2. For mental cleansing: Spirituality requires patience, mental clarity and purity. If you are too much absorbed in worldly things, you may not be able to engage in good spiritual practices. To get rid of the material from your mind, use Cypress, Common Sage, Hyssop, Lemon, Lime, Juniper Berry, Myrrh, Peppermint, Spearmint and Atlas and Virginian Cedarwood.

3. For cultivating a sense of gratitude: Spirituality is all about giving thanks to the world and God. Essential oils can even enhance your sense of gratitude to others. Use Bergamot, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Lime, Neroli, Orange and Ylang Ylang to achieve this.

4. To cope with grief: Pain or grief or acute suffering can be obstacles to your faith. To free yourself from grief and trust in God or a Higher Self, use Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Rose and Sandalwood.

5. Essential oils for enlightenment: Yes, there are oils to heighten your desire for enlightenment and they are Cypress, Frankincense, Rosemary, Spikenard, Sandalwood, Helichrysum etc.

6. Other oils: Some oils in this list are hazardous to the skin, yet they help aid your sense of spiritual well being. They are Bay Laurel, Cassia, Cinnamon, Fir Needle, Ginger, Lavender, Myrtle, Scotch Pine and Spruce.



Emotional Well-being, Uses of Essential Oils

Reclaim your attention: 4 essential oil blends for improving concentration

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If only we had the power to focus on what we wanted to accomplish, the word ‘procrastination’ would never have emerged – says an anonymous author. Procrastination is the thief of time, they say. But why do we procrastinate or postpone? Often it is lack of interest or lack of focus in the work at hand. We let too many things clutter our mind that we have forgotten what it is to focus and concentrate upon the task in hand. There are several other distractions too. With technological advancements and everything happening from your handheld, there are too many things like email, twitter and social media to grab your attention. If only we know what is to concentrate completely, we would never talk of meeting deadlines or even setting deadlines. In such a state of affairs, tips to improve the power of focus are a must. This article will detail on how to enhance your concentration using essential oils.


Essential oil concentration blends: Aromatherapy can help you improve your power of focus too. It can adjust your body and mind and help you attend to what is important. Inhaling the following essential oil blends or using them in your room diffusers can clear your mind and motivate you to be in the present and focus on the task at hand.

1. Blend for attentiveness: Many students and children in the United States suffer from ADHD syndrome. Though the disease is curable, you can prevent it or alleviate its symptoms with this attentiveness blend. To make the blend, combine 1 drop of Cyprus oil with 2 drops of Cedarwood, 2 drops of Lemon and 1 drop of Pine oil. This essential oil blend will be highly helpful to students who are studying for exams or those who want to improve their productivity at office.

2. Blend for alertness: Some people can be less shrewd than others. This may often be the case if there are three or four children at home. Some maybe shrewd, others maybe dull or dumb. To improve alertness, blend 2 drops of Eucalyptus with 3 drops of Rosemary and 3 drops of Tangerine.

3. Blend for motivation: If you are down in the dumps and cannot find a ray of hope in your current situation, relax! Take a deep breath of this aromatic blend and forget all your worries. You will be invigorated and feel happy. Combine 2 drops of Basil with 4 drops of Bergamot, 1 drop of Clove and 2 drops of Ginger.

4. Blend for mental clarity: If you are confused and need mental clarity, use this blend in your diffuser and inhale it. To make the blend, use 2 drops of Bay oil with 3 drops of Ginger and 2 drops of Rosemary. Shake well in a bottle and use it for clarity.



Aromatherapy Facts, Uses of Essential Oils

Holistic aromatherapy: A faster way to stress release and detoxification

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Hypocrites, father of medicine, said, “The way to good health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day.” Aromatherapy is that important in daily life. When incorporated into daily routine on a regular basis, aromatherapy can invigorate an individual and keep him disease and stress-free. As essential oils are plant oils that are high on immunity, using them for your body can mean establishing a protective, disease-resistant shield around you. Holistic aromatherapy is something which tries to impart general well-being in an individual.

Holistic Aromatherapy: Holistic aromatherapy is a subtle kind of treatment which incorporates 100% use of pure essential oils to keep up good health. Though aromatherapy uses only aromatic oils, it is different from fragrance oils and applies pure oils based on your physical, emotional and mental health. Derived from the Greek word “Holos”, holistic aromatherapy means treating the body as a whole – that is, using essential oils for the welfare of the whole body. This is often a periodic treatment and involves use of all kinds of oils, massage therapies, diffuser and vaporizer treatments to detoxify and heal your body.
What does Holistic Aromatherapy do? Holistic aromatherapy is often used on a regular basis than at the time of disease. It is known to strengthen people against dis-ease to increase stamina and help with convalescence and recovery. To treat your body holistically, you can follow a variety of treatments. It is different from therapy in that, an aromatherapist uses 100% pure essential oils mixed with carrier oils. The choice of oils can be determined by the individual’s state of health. The client’s time of visit is also of importance as the aromatherapist decides based on the current physical and emotional needs of the person.

Holistic aromatherapy – Applications: Holistic aromatherapy, like general aromatherapy, can be used in various ways. The basic and most common application is that of massaging. Massage oils are made by mixing pure essential oils with vegetable or carrier oils like Grapeseed oil. Another common methods include, vaporization, inhalation, use of compresses, bath salts/aromatic baths etc.

An essential oil’s chemical structure can be identical to the plant from which it is extracted. Changes occur in the extraction process and in many cases, an oil’s composition can be completely altered because of the mode of extraction. Several extraction processes are used, which include distillation, enfleurage, maceration and volatile solvents. Aromatic plants can grow in great numbers in several parts of the world. The soil, region, weather and extraction methods of a plant affect the chemical structure of an oil. Owing to this, holistic aromatherapy conducted in one part of the world maybe different from the one practiced in other parts of the world. To ensure that essential oils are of high quality, check with your aromatherapist on whether he uses therapeutic grade oils that are extracted from the right place of origin.



For Family, Uses of Essential Oils

Kitchen talk: 7 aromatherapy recipes for domestic purposes

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Aromatherapy is not restricted for use only in aromatic or medicinal fields. It can be also be used for domestic purposes, right in the backyard of your kitchen. Kitchen aromatherapy includes use of essential oils for food recipes, making of body oils, aromatic wood polishes, soaps, cleaners, aromatic scents for cupboards, drawers etc. This article will throw light on aromatherapy recipes that can be made with kitchen/household items and can be used in domestic setups.

Domestic recipes using essential oils: These recipes are especially good for use with essential oils that have gone old and have no use for medicinal purposes. When the therapeutic is ruled out, all you can do with essential oils is the aromatic and the domestic. You can be as creative as possible to blend all kinds of aromas and get exotic recipes that can be used in your bath, as soaps, cleaners and room diffusers. Below are some recipes which you can use for household purposes:


1. Bathroom spray: Bathrooms are often the breeding place for several microbes, including virus and bacteria. To clean the bathroom air and keep it free from bacteria, virus and other fungi, you can try this recipe. To make the recipe, combine 5 drops of Cinnamon oil with 5 drops of Eucalyptus, 5 drops of Lemon, 5 drops of Sage, 5 drops of Thyme and 10 drops of Bergamot, 10 drops of Citronella, 10 drops of Lavender, 10 drops of Tea Tree. Shake well to mix all the oils and spray on to your bathroom space everyday.

2. Kitchen soap with coffee scent: If you think that your kitchen needs a kitchen-friendly aroma, here you go. Created by Kay, this Coffee scented essential oil kitchen soap will combine Lemon and soap to yield a coffee soap. Combine 5 drops of Coffee essential oil with 4 drops of Lemon oil and mix them both with 1 cup of unscented liquid soap. Transfer the mixture to a pump and you are done with the recipe.

3. Kitchen bench wipe: This is ideal for wiping up any sort of mess in your kitchen. You will need an old bottle to store this blend and also a spirit pourer. Wash the bottle thoroughly and add water to it. Then, pour 30 drops of your favorite Citrus oils. For best results, you can try a mixture of Grapefruit, Lemon, Petitgrain and other Citrus oils. Blend well and pour into the spirit pourer. Every time you need to clean up a mess, add a drop of this blend to your kitchen sponge/wipe and clean. This is both a disinfectant and a cleaner.

4. For aromatic cupboards and drawers: To make your cupboards smell fresh and lively, you can try this. Add a few drops of essential oils to a cotton wool and place them in cupboards and drawers. Lemongrass and Lavender work well to keep moths at bay.

5. Wood polish: To make wood polish to rub kitchen wood, combine 4 oz of Olive oil with ½ tsp of Lemon essential oil in a small bottle. Blend well and apply with a soft cloth and buff to shin. Olive cleans the dust in wood and makes it shine, while Lemon yields a fresh, aromatic smell.

6. Handbag scenting: If you have a foul-smelling handbag, this is your recipe. Add 3 drops of Bergamot, 2 drops of Geranium and 2 drops of Melissa in a cotton wool or tissue and place it inside your handbag. If there is a leather tag attached to your bags, you can use this to put the blend.
7. Focus blend: To gain focus, this blend will be of great help. Mix 10 drops of Peppermint, 10 drops of Rosemary and 10 drops of Lime essential oil. Mix everything with 3 oz spring water and use in a diffuser inside your study room or home office.



Skin Care, Uses of Essential Oils

Renew your skin: 3 essential oil bodyscrub recipes you would love

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The plight of our skin is pathetic. It is the thing that requires utmost attention, but it is also the same thing that is taken less care of. Skin diseases occur only because we take inadequate care of our skin. Our skin is damaged by weather, especially the sun, wind and pollution and this in turn, damages our body by thickening the outer layer of the skin. With a thick outer layer, all that a skin has, is roughened dead cells. One of the ways to manage a dead skin condition is to exfoliate skin cells on a regular basis. This will give a healthy glow to your skin and will also prevent it from abnormal conditions.

How to renew your skin: Essential oils can help greatly in the renewal of new skin. They help your skin exfoliate and clear of dead stuff in a better, safer way. You can use them to prepare bodyscrub that help clean and detoxify skin cells. However, usage of bodyscrub comes with its own kind of limitations. These include a list of dos and don’ts too: Do not ever rub vigorously on the body. Avoid scraping hard on sensitive skin and spend time on bumpy or rough areas. Do all the scrubbing standing under a shower or upright in a bath tub. If you happen to get dehydrated often, drink plenty of water before the exfoliation process. And finish off dehydration with natural body moisturiser.


Essential oil bodyscrubs: Essential oils are energizing and mind-awakening recipes. Below are a few bodyscrubs which are some of the best ways to exfoliate skin.

1. Herbal salt bodyscrub recipe: This is a great bodyscrub to rejuvenate your spirits and relax you in the right way. There are two varieties in this scrub recipe – one for the morning, another for the evening. Add 3 to 4 drops of Peppermint oil to 5 tbsps of sea salt and mix this together in ½ a teaspoon of carrier oil like Almond or Grapeseed. If the mixture is thick or does not have enough moisture, add water to it and blend well. You can use this scrub as a deep-cleanser and toner. For a soothing evening recipe, replace Peppermint oil with Lavender. It would not be sensitive or invigorating on the skin.

2. Ivy bodyscrub: This is a scrub that works as a skin tonic and an astringent. It can stimulate circulation and enhance body health by getting rid of toxins, excess fluid build-ups etc. To make the scrub, combine 20 fresh Ivy leaves with 2 tbsps of course-ground oatmeal and 2 tbsps of natural yoghurt. When you get an even consistency, add Lemon essential oil and mix into a nice smooth paste. Massage the paste on to your skin, focusing on problem areas like hips, buttocks, legs and upper arms. Rinse off with water and clean completely after bath.

3. Lemongrass bodyscrub: Lemongrass is all about liveliness and this recipe is just that. Sugar can be used to scrub the skin that to create problems inside the body. This recipe is holistic in that, it uses Lemongrass, sugar, Almond oil, Fennel oil etc. To make the bodyscrub, combine 4 tbsps of sugar with 2 tsps of Sweet Almond oil, 10 drops of Lemongrass oil, 5 drops of Geranium oil and 5 drops of Fennel oil. Blend well and massage all over your skin. Then, rinse with water and clean dry.



Aromatherapy Facts, Uses of Essential Oils

Topical Fragrancing: How to make herbal tinctures using essential oils

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Herbal tinctures. What do they have to do with aromatherapy? You might wonder. The connecting factor between aromatherapy and tinctures are – herbs. Preparing tinctures require attention to detail and knowledge in aromatherapy. This is because tinctures have both aromatic and therapeutic purposes and are inexpensive to make. But you need to properly store them to preserve them and use them for a indefinite period of time. You need to use a variety of aromatherapy related stuff for the making of these herbal tinctures. These include – herbs, dried herbs, alcohol or glycerin etc. Since tinctures are one of the best and quickest ways to make a place aromatic, you can use them with ease, without any issue of overuse or restrictions on safety.


Uses of herbal tinctures: Tinctures are more concentrated dosages of herbs. Though extracted from herbs (medicinal or otherwise), they are thicker than essential oils and can be made easily from home. Tinctures can be used for a variety of purposes. It is a great remedy for treatment of high blood pressure. A tincture made using Garlic, Hawthorn, Linden and Wood Betony can reduce high blood pressure symptoms. You can treat acne or other skin disorder with Calendula tinctures, while Echinacea can help cure sore throats. You can treat insomnia with a tincture of Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Hops, Passion Flower or Valerian at night. If you have mild to severe headache, you can use Chamomile, Willow Bark, Skullcap, Valerian and Wood Betony oils/herbs. Apart from all this, tinctures make good room fresheners and are often used in cleaning the air in the room – an aromatherapeutic way of doing things.

Topical fragrancing with herbal tinctures: To make herbal tinctures for topical fragrancing, you will need the following supplies: sterilized containers, fresh herbs, dried herbs, vodka that is used for food recipes, cheesecloth or a fine grade stainer. You can use dried herbs only if you want to make the tincture more concentrated. Vodka should be of the high-proof, edible kind. Read all safety precautions before any sort of mixing. First, chop the fresh herbs and add them into air-tight sterilized containers. The herbs will start to release their aromatic oils as soon as you cut them. Then, fill the containers with vodka with enough room to mix both herbs and alcohol. When the blending is done, allow the containers to sit idle in a cool, dark and dry place. Shake every container at least once for over 30 days. Then, finally, after the period is over, filter the tincture with layered cheesecloth or fine grade stainer.

If you want to get a more concentrated, aromatic tincture, it is better if you keep it idle for 30 days. You can use this aromatic tincture as body spray, linen spray, facial toner and room mist.

Caution while using aromatic tinctures: Follow all the rules of caution while using or making aromatic tinctures. Made out of herbs, tinctures are no different from essential oils except in concentration of liquid. So, check the list of hazardous oils and avoid all herbs that yield such oils. If you are allergic to alcohol or want to avoid it in your body, use Glycerin-based tinctures are used extensively in the personal care industry.



Aromatherapy Facts, Uses of Essential Oils

When age is a burden and old is not gold: 4 tips to use old essential oils

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Aging essential oils can be a real burden. Because, they cannot be used or disposed off easily. Another thing is, not all oils age at the same pace. Some oils age faster, while some age slower, taking more than a year to grow old. So, what to do with aging oils? How best to use them, or at least dispose them without trouble? For disposing essential oils, visit ‘Way to the bin: How to dispose of essential oils safely’ article. Though essential oils do not go rancid quickly, they can age with time on account of their ability to oxidize. This gradually slows down their therapeutic value, which at one point, remains just aromatic and completely un-therapeutic. Also, not all essential oils age poorly, in a deteriorating way. Oils like Patchouli or Sandalwood mature with age and turn out to be more beneficial as years pass by. This is why you need to read about the shelf life of an oil before you choose to buy it.

How to identify old essential oils: First, get to know  more about essential oils before you buy them. With all your ground information clear, you will know the time value of a particular oil. Read the label information or get info from your supplier. Calculate from the date of extraction and preservation. Try to use all the oils before the expiration date. If you sense a foul-strain in your essential oil’s aroma or if your oil does not possess a full aroma, understand that it has lost its therapeutic grade quality. At any cost, avoid use of such aromatherapy products or application. Especially on the skin as aromatherapy oils have the ability to come into direct contact with skin and cause sensitization. Avoid using very old oils in room sprays and diffusers as it can affect pets and children in the house.

How to use aging essential oils: Uses of aging essential oils are minimal, but varied. First, you need to gauge in which way your oil has grown old – aromatic or therapeutic. If your oil has become therapeutically old, you should not use it in any recipe of health related application. If your oil is just therapeutically old and still retains an aromatic pleasantness, you can use it in the following applications:

1. Homemade Dryer Sheets: When you use dryer sheets for laundry, you can use essential oils to naturally fragrance your laundry. For making a laundry drying sheet, use add 5 drops of oil to a scrap of cotton fabric and place it into the dryer. Your aroma will let customers look for your product. However, use only oils that are clear, thin-colored and without any therapeutic usage.

2. Drain Freshener: If your oils do not smell rancid, use them on toilet drains. You can add just one to 2 drops to disinfect a place, including the odor. However, be careful. Pouring more than 2-3 drops of essential oil can harm your underground water supplies. So, avoid using thick oils as drain freshener.

3. Fabric softener: It is said that old oils are sometimes better than vinegar and hence can be used in laundry during the rinse cycle. This softens fabrics and makes them better.

4. Trash Freshener: If rodents, insects and parasites are troubling your trash liner too much, use a drop of two of essential oils. This will eliminate odors and detract rodents and insects from reaching your trash.