Teaching Tuesdays - Steaming for Your Health

As you probably are aware, there are several different ways to reap the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. If you want more information about these various methods you can read this old post.
One fast, simple, inexpensive, yet effective, method is to inhale them, and this is what I want to focus on today. Inhalation can be accomplished in a few different ways. Perhaps the easiest way is to simply place five drops of your oil choice(s) on a tissue or a cotton ball, then sniff for five minutes. Of course you can always diffuse oil(s) in a burner or a light ring, but this will disperse scent throughout a room, and is perhapse better suited for mood altering treatments rather than acute treatments. Another inhalation method is steam. Steam can be used for both the aromatherapy benefits and/or skin care treatments. For acute issues, such as headaches or cough and congestion due to colds, steam is an excellent delivery system [for the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils]. The oils are carried deeply and immediately into the lungs, as well as being absorbed through the skin pores. As part of routine skin care, steam should be used once a week because it deep cleans the face. It opens the skins' pores, extracts impurities, and increases the blood circulation to facial capillaries. There are several combinations of essential oils to benefit various types of skin issues, and skin types. See this old post for some recipes and suggestions. For today however, I want to concentrate on acute issues that can be relieved by utilizing the steam method of inhalation.

To begin with, let's understand how to prepare, and then how to use a steam. Take one gallon of spring or distilled water and place it in a pan, heat until it is almost brought to a boil. Set out a glass bowl large enough to hold the water. While your water is heating, prepare your oil blend in a small glass dish/cup. Do not use metal as it may cause an unwated chemical reaction. Know that heat breaks down some essential oils, therefore you may need to allow the water to cool slightly before you mix in those oils,in order to maintain their full therapeutic value. Once the water is properly heated and the recipe prepared, carefully pour into your glass bowl. You will then need to place a towel over your head and lean your face over the bowl, keeping about 12 inches away from the water. Relax as you breath in the vapors and your skin absorbs the steam. Make sure that you exercise extreme caution so that you don't scald your skin. When you first breath in, if the inside of your nose feels like it is burning, uncover and wait a few minutes for the water to cool down before you try again.

Now that you are all prepared, I have listed some essential oils to help you get you started. These lists are by no means all inclusive, they are not even all that I have categorized in my personal notebook. But, since there are over 300 known essential oils, I had to pare it down!  Just be sure to use only therapeutic grade essential oils. While you can blend several oils together, you will want to keep the total drops to about 8-10 per gallon of water. Until you get comfortable with mixing essential oils, I suggest that you use equal parts of the oils that you select. The combinations are endless, so use what smells good to you, and learn what works best for you. 

ESSENTIAL OILS

For Headache Relief                                                                

Lavender                                                                                   

Blue Chamomile                                                                        

Eucalyptus                                                                                 

Grapefruit                                                                                  

Jasmine                                                                                     

Marjoram                                                                                   

Peppermint                                                                                  

Rosewood                                                                                   

Red Thyme                                                                                 

Rosemary     

  For Cough Relief  

All Spice

Rosemary

Eucalyptus  

Tea Tree

 Red Thyme

Sandalwood  

Black Pepper                                                                        

Angelica Root

Jasmine

Rosewood

                                             For Migraine Headache Relief                                             

    Angelica Root                                                                               

     Basil                                                                                                 

     Clary Sage                                                                                   

     Citronella                                                                                        

     Peppermint                                                                                   

     Valerian                                                                                          

For Sinus Headache Relief

 Lavender

 Eucalyptus   

 Spearmint 

 Peppermint 

 Rosemary 

 Cardamom

 Bronchitis Relief

  Cedarwood

  Angelica Root

  Cypress

  Myrr

  Hyssop

  Frankincense

  Lemon

  Lime

  Rosemary

  All Spice

                           Eucalyptus  *Not for children* 

                                                                                      

      For Congestion associated w/ colds and flus                                   

Marjoram

Ginger

Grapefruit                                                                      

Patchouli

Tea Tree

Asthma Relief

Clove

Cypress                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Eucalyptus                                                                

Fennel

Frankincense

Myrtle

Myrrh

Hyssop

Pine                                                                        

Rose                                                                                                                                                                     Tea Tree                                                                           

Red Thyme                                              

For Sinusitis Relief

Cajeput

Camphor

Tea Tree

Red Thyme

 * Clary Sage- for Whooping Cough  

 *Cedarwood is good for respiratory infections                                                                                                                                               

**Please read this page for an important disclaimer and warnings related to essential oils**                                                         

*Essential oils have several indications, and can accomplish multiple outcomes. While I have narrowed the lists to only address these few acute ailments, each oil fits onto several lists, in several categories. For instance,  Eucalyptus is an antiseptic, antiviral, deodorant, and has insecticidal properties. It also fights mental fatigue. Tea Tree works well for sinus relief, sore throats, and chest-colds, and is an excellent inhalant for asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions, yet it also works well as a topical antiseptic for skin injuries, and in rubs for arthritis. Lemon Grass has invigorating and antiseptic properties, is an  anti-depressant, and tones and fortifies the nervous system. In a bath it is used for soothing muscular nerves and pains. And, while Ginger rids the body of flu-type symptoms and respiratory ailments, it is also a good stimulant and cleanser. So, as you can see, the blending of oils can be quite intricate.  Even a simple, one or two ingredient steam can offer you several benefits.
                 

To illustrate my point, consider the Rosemary Peppermint Facial Steam. It is used as a facial steam to                                     open the skins' pores and extract impurities. In fact, it is highly recommended for skin with acne problems.  However, this steam will also clear the sinuses, alleviate headaches,  and reduce bronchitis, cold and flu symptoms. It also helps relieve muscle spasms. So, if you happen to have a cold or headache, using this steam for your weekly skin care treatment, will make you feel better and cleanse your skin at the same time. Many birds, one stone!  If you want to make this recipe, simply add 4 drops of peppermint and 4 drops of rosemary essential oils to the water, but make sure that you allow the water to cool slightly before doing so. Steam for 10 minutes before patting the skin dry.

Make It Yourself Monday - Honey Mayo Face Mask

Here we go, the first Monday of the new year and the first "make it yourself" recipe of the new year!

This one is for a sweet facial. You should have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, although you may have to purchase the essential oils if you do not regularly use them. This is a make and use recipe and should not be stored.

Ingredients;

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/8 cup pure clover honey

4 1/2 TBS. powdered milk (leave it in powdered state)

2 drops rosemary essential oil (EO)

1 drop lavender essential oil (EO)

Warm the honey, then blend into the mayonnaise and add the powdered milk. Once this is well blended, and not too hot, add the essential oils and mix well. Apply to your face and neck and allow to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with tepid water and pat skin dry.

This is a really a nice, moisturizing mask, for any type of skin. However, if your skin is generally oily, you will want to limit this type of a face mask to no more than 1x a week. Not sure? Try it! If you live in a humid area and/or have extra oily skin, at worst, you may need to follow with your usual toner, but your skin will still enjoy the treat and, either way, your skin will look and feel smooth and soft.

Please note that Rosemary should NOT be used by epileptics. For most people, however, rosemary is a great essential oil. It is considered to be a non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing oil, and has a long list of benefits. In this application, its most noticeable attributes have to due with its effects on skin, especially skin with acne, eczema, scabies or dermatitis. Rosemary also enhances circulation and helps displace fluid retention. Just the aroma of the EO is said to fight off mental fatigue and reduce or eliminate headaches and migraine pain.

Lavender is the number one non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing essential oil and, as such, is a basic for everyones' medicine cabinet. It is one of the few EO's that can be used undiluted on the skin, and it has many properties, covering a wide variety of ailments. In this application, it is very toning to the skin and works well for all skin types. Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it perfect for skin care treatments. It also, specifically, helps with oily skin and acne, as well as skin problems such as burns, rashes (good for diaper rash too), sunburns, psoriasis and insect bites. The inhalation of lavender EO is known to have a soothing, calming, and relaxing effect on the nerves, the mind, and, in turn, one's mood. It is also an effective treatment for headache and migraines, and it promotes restful sleep.

*Remember that you must use therapeutic-grade EO's to reap the benefits, but together, these essential oils will give your skin a great treatment, along with protection, while the aromatherapy aspects will serve to calm and relax you as it rids you of the days stress and headache.