5 Essential Oils for Happy Skin
There are many benefits of using essential oils in skin care. The essential oils are easily absorbed through the skin and they can be added to vegetable oils, moisturizers, scrubs, face masks, ointments and so on. It is also especially beneficial that they have an appealing scent which works on the emotional level as well. I love applying my morning facial cream with geranium because I also love the aroma and it makes me happy. The essential oils have been used throughout history for healing, cleaning, religious ceremonies, flavoring, skin care and perfumes.
Some of the benefits of essential oils in skin care are:
- they improve blood circulation and muscle tone
- they are anti-inflammatory
- they reduce the signs of emotional stress
- they are antiseptic
- they regulate sebum production
- they help eliminate waste
- they increase the speed of removing old skin cells and also stimulate the growth of new skin cells
There are many oils which are beneficial to the skin so I have selected my favorites.
Lavender
The one and only. I always say if you can only afford one bottle of essential oils then pick lavender. It is very versatile oil with many uses. It works for all skin types, if you have dry skin, combination skin, mature skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin you can use lavender. According to Battaglia, lavender is also beneficial in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, acne, psoriasis and boils.
Geranium
Who doesn't love the scent of flowers? Not only is the aroma of geranium positive, happy and mood lifting, but geranium will also make the skin happy. Battaglia says it is valuable for oily, dry or combination skin as well as balancing the production of sebum. It is also a valuable oil for burns and wounds according to Battaglia. I like to add geranium to massage oil to add balance to my aging skin.
Frankincense
Yes, frankincense is an amazing oil. It rejuvenates aging skin and return dry and oily skin to normal. According to Battaglia frankincense is recommended for mature and dry skin, wrinkles, wounds and scars. It firms skin, promotes healing and fights inflammation.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood is a wonderful oil and it smells of fresh cut timber, but I noticed many don't realize its value in skin care. According to Battaglia, cedarwood's astringent and antiseptic properties makes it very useful in oily skin conditions. He also says it helps to clear dermatitis and psoriasis. Battaglia also says it is a great hair tonic and effective for treating dandruff.
Tea trea
Tea tree is another great oil to use and it is mild enough to use on children. However, always check out the safety information before using any essential oils on children. According to Battaglia, tea tree is very effective for treatment of acne and pimples when combined with lavender. It can be mixed in a 1% dilution with a light oil such as jojoba or apricot. Massage into face and then wipe off. He says it can be added to shampoo and used in the treatment of dandruff.
If you haven't tried any of these oils in skin care before then I suggest that you try. Except for frankincense, these oils are fairly inexpensive as well as very versatile. Using essential oils for your skin care regimen is safer than using most commercial products that contain many harmful chemicals. An extra bonus is that the oils can be used for so much more than skin care.
Important
This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safety information before you start using essential oils.
This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safety information before you start using essential oils.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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Sources:
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd
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Steam Inhalation for Dry and Moist Cough
Here is a steam inhalation that historically been used for both dry and moist coughs.
Use a facial steamer or put hot water in a bowl of water,
add 1 drop Cedarwood, 1 drop eucalyptus and 1 drop hyssop.
Hold the head 8 inches from the bowl with a towel over head to form a tent, and inhale. You want to make sure that you inhale slowly and deeply with your eyes closed.
According to Valeri Cooksley, R.N, cypress, juniper, frankincense, lavender, myrrh, peppermint and sandalwood are other oils that are useful for coughs.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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Source:
Valeri
Gennari Cooksley, R.N (2002). Aromatherapy: soothing remedies to
restore, rejuvenate,and heal. Prentice Hall Press
This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday
This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday
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Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.
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Essential Oils and Anxiety
It is important to consider each individual's personal preference when choosing oils. I choose the following oils based on their therapeutic properties and their historical uses.
Basil, Ocimum basilicum, equalizes the nervous system and it has historically been considered an ideal oil for nervousness and anxiety. It works as a tonic for the nervous system and builds people up when depleted since tonics are nourishing, restorative and supportive. As a nervine it will also strengthen the nervous system and act as a stimulant. It is an uplifting scent and gives the mind clarity. Basil's antispasmodic action may alleviate palpitations in an anxiety attack. Basil has historically been very useful for anxiety and other psychological disorders.
Bergamot, Citrus aurantium var. bergamia is a good choice for the nervous system. It is both uplifting and sedative, and has historically been useful for anxiety and other psychological conditions. The nervine action of bergamot strengthens the and tones the nervous system. As many nervines, bergamot is also an antispasmodic and a relaxant. Bergamot's antispasmodic action may relieve Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), one of the symptoms of anxiety. It is also a tonic and as mentioned above, tonics are restorative, supportive and nourishing and will benefit the nervous system. Bergamot's uplifting, slight spicy flowery citrus scent is well liked by most. It is also one of the most effective oils the nervous system.
Cedarwood, Cedrus atlantica, is a sedative and therefore suitable as a relaxant for anxiety and nervous tension. It's calming and soothing actions are comforting in anxiety.
Roman chamomile, Anthemis nobilis, has antispasmodic, sedative, and tonic actions. The antispasmodic action may help with symptoms like palpitations while the tonic effect may nourish and support the nervous system. The sedative effect makes it a calming but yet not depressive oil to use. Roman chamomile is a well known oil for the nervous system.
Anise, Pimpinella anisum, is another oil to consider. Anise is very comforting to the mind due to it's warm and spicy scent. It's antispasmodic effect may relax and prevent palpitations.
Let's not forget the other oils that historically been used for anxiety:
Ylang ylang, lavender, orange, frankincense, patchouli, jasmine absolute, and rose.
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