Aromatherapy - Recipes for using essential oils
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, the information on these pages is gathered from my own experience, books, websites, and other people's experience. I will not be held responsible for any injury resulting from this information. If you have a medical condition, you should seek qualified medical advice and supervision at all times.
Most of the recipes on this page have been developed by me, either to help treat specific problems, or because I liked the resulting aroma of the blends. Please don't copy these recipes without attributing myself (Kymberly Fergusson) as the author, and this site.
On this page:
- Blends for oil burners and vaporisation
- Recipes for baths
- Massage oil or skin blends
- Uses in cleaning and other situations
Oil burner and vaporisation blends
Most oil burners work best when the oils are dropped into a pool of water. That way the oil doesn't actually 'burn', but slowly releases its aroma as it is heated gently by the water. You can also drop essential oils into a bowl of hot water, and place a towel over your head to inhale. This method is normally for head and chest colds.
- Concentration
- orange, lemon, rosemary, basil, ginger
- Relaxation
- lavender, rosewood, sandalwood
Bath blends
A combined form of vaporisation and skin treatment, essential oils can be dropped directly into bath water, used in a foot bath, or blended with other bath products (salts, milk, oils, etc.). A solubuliser may be used to help disperse the oils, or the water can be agitated.
- Hives
- a bathbag with the following ingredients in a cool bath: oatmeal or oats, 8 drops calendula, 6 drops 3% chammomile, 4 drops bergamot, 4 drops lavender, 2 drops 3% rose, 1 drop patchouli
- Insomnia
- lavender, chammomile, majoram
Massage oil or skin blends
As a physical therapy, massage alone can help a huge number of health problems. Essential oils can be used to increase relaxation and enjoyment, and may have therapeutic benefits (such as warming muscles, etc.). Oils can also be used to provide moisture to the skin, and are useful in treating a number of skin problems.
- Hives
- moisturising and soothing oil
- 40ml grapeseed oil (base + preserving properties)
40 ml almond oil (base)
30 ml rosehip oil (base + moisturising properties - especially good for dry skin)
30 ml wheatgerm oil (base)
10 ml calendula oil (skin inflammation + healing of abrasions)
8 ml 3% chammomile in jojoba (the best oil for skin inflammation, itchiness + emotional aspects)
20 drops 3% rose in jojoba (emotional aspects + smells gorgeous)
10 drops lavender (antiseptic poperties + emotional aspects)
5 drops bergamot (for aggravated skin)
5 drops jasmine (emotional aspects + smells gorgeous)
5 drops neroli (emotional aspects)
3 drops patchouli (skin aggravation, to ground the top notes)
3 drops juniper (cleansing toxins) - cooling body and facial spray
- 75ml distilled water
25ml liquid aloe (moisturising, cooling)
10 drops 3% chammomile in jojoba (anti-inflammatory)
2 drops 3% rose in jojoba (emotional aspects)
2 drops lavender (antiseptic)
- moisturising and soothing oil
- Muscle soreness (fibromyalgia)
- black pepper, geranium, lavender, rose, juniper, ylang ylang
- Skin toners
- In a base of witchhazel, rosewater and liquid aloe, 4 drops 3% chammomile, 4 drops lavender, 4 drops tea trea, 2 drops geranium
Cleaning and other uses
Research has shown that some essential oils have antibacterial properties, useful in cleaning. Note that pets and young children are more sensitive to aromas and care should be taken when cleaning with essential oils.
- General surface cleaner (benches, floors, bathrooms, etc)
- white vinegar with tea trea, lavender or lemon
- Washing clothes
- vinegar in the rinse water as fabric softener with a few drops of lavender or tea trea
