Aromatherapy
Using Essential Oils:
xv. Handkerchief: The most portable way of using essential oils. Add 3-4 drops to a handkerchief and inhale. Useful for treating colds or headaches, or for clearing your head at work.
xvi. Shoe Rack: Freshen the cupboard with lemongrass. Deodorise shoes with two drops of pine or parsley oil.
xvii. Humidifiers: You can add your favorite oil to the water of a humidifier or improvise by adding five drops of essential oil to a small bowl of water placed on top of a radiator.
xviii. Ring Burners: Use the heat from light bulbs to release perfumed oils. Small ring burners, usually made of porcelain or aluminium, sit over the top of the bulb. Add a few drops of essential oil, and the heat from the bulb will gently vaporize the essential oil.
xix. Wood Fires: Sprinkle drops of cypress, cedarwood, pine or sandalwood over the logs to be used about an hour before lighting the fire and then burn them to release your favorite aroma.
xx. Scented Candles: Wax candles can be bought ready-impregnated with essential oils and are a delightful way of fragrancing a room. Or you can add a few drops of essential oil to an oil lamp for the same effect.
xxi. Compresses:Soak a clean cotton cloth (such as a face flannel, handkerchief or small towel) in 1/4 pint (160ml) warm water with 5-10 drops of essential oil. Squeeze out and lay across the area to be treated. Cover and leave until cold. A useful method for sprains, bruising, headaches (place the compress across the forehead) and hot flushes.
xxii. Body And Facial Oils: These can be used on a daily basis to nourish the skin. Use a one per cent blend of essential oil to carrier oil for the face and a three per cent blend for the body.
