Headache Relief

Anyone who suffers from migraine headaches knows how debilitating thy can be. It seems like nothing will take away the pain! This blend isn't magic, but it sure does help.

• 5 parts lavender essential oil
• 2 parts peppermint essential oil
• 2 parts rosemary essential oil
• 3 parts chamomile essential oil
• 10 parts grape seed oil

Here are some ideas of how to use this to help your headache:

• Add about 5 drops of this mixture to water in a simmering pot in a dark room where you can lie down and relax.
• Add several drops (about 10) to a basin of warm water. Soak a soft washcloth in the basin and wring out to place over your eyes and on your head.
• If you can persuade someone to give you a head and neck massage, add 5 drops to about a tablespoon carrier oil for the massage.
• Put one or two drops n a hanky you can sniff.

Muscle Rub

This is a quick and easy muscle rub that works alot like IcyHot or BenGay. The chemicals in the essential oils continue to work long after the effect is no longer felt on the skin, so don't bathe too soon. Also, remember that if you bathe shortyly before applying, the blend will be more easily absorbed.

• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops eycalyptus essential oil
• 1 oz. base oil or aloe vera gel

If you plan to massage the sore muscles for any amount of time, you will probably prefer to use the base oil, as it will absorb more slowly and there will be less pulling at the skin. The aloe vera gel is great when you are in a hurry, and applies similarly to the store bought lotions.

Body Scrub

Body scrubs are easy to make, great exfoliators, and the perfect scent when you make them at home. Try this basic salt scrub for starters.

• 1 cup fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup almond oil
• 10-20 drops essential or skin-safe fragrance oils

Put the salt in a container, add the almond oil, then the essentials. Stir well with a glass, plastic or wooden implement. Decant off any excess oil.

To use, simply scoop out a small amount and scrub over damp skin, then rinse away. This recipie will leave a moisturizing oil film on the skin.

Try the following variations:

• Use aloe gel instead of almond oil to make a "drier" scrub.
• Try brown sugar in place of salt for a gentler scrub.

Peppermint Feet

Sure, you've seen the $10 bottles of lotion at the store, specially made for your precious little tootsies. But why spend ten dollars on one bottle of lotion when an eight dollar bottle of peppermint oil has so many uses?

For quick foot refreshment, try adding two drops to a tablespoon of any store-bought unscented lotion, or aloe gel. Another alternative, give some time to rest and relax, is to add 2-5 drops to a basin of cool water and soak your tired pups in that. Or try making a peppermint salt scrub (use aloe and salt body scrub recipie below) to rub away rough spots.

Foaming Facial Scrub

This powdered scrub is great for dry skin and all natural. Keep the completed blend in a watertight container in your bathroom, where you can mix just enough into a rich, foaming cream as you need it.

• 6 tablespoons oatmeal
• 6 tablespoons non-fat dry milk
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon citric acid powder (look in the spice aisle)
• 6 drops geranium essential oil
• 6 drops rose essential blend (3% in a base)
• 2 drops frankincense oil

Place all dry ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until a fine powder results. Add the oils and mix well.

To use, place approximately 1 teaspoon of the powder in a small cup, and add 10-20 drops of water. The mixture will foam as you stir it and create a thick foaming cream-exfoliant. Apply to face and neck in a circular motion, avoiding the eyes. You can leave it on for several minutes before rinsing for added softening benefits. Rinse will with warm water.

Warning!

While aromatherapy is a more or less safe alternative to 'traditional' (ie. modern) medicine, it is still wise to take certain precautions. Essential oils are highly concentrated chemical compuounds and most should never be applied directly to the skin without dilution in a carrier.

Persons (and dogs, cats, etc. etc.) who have epilepsy should avoid the following oils:

• Champhor
• Fennel
• Hyssop
• Sage
• Rosemary

Pregnant females should avoid (particularly in the first trimester):

• Aniseed
• Basil
• Clary Sage
• Cypress
• Cinnamon
• Fennel
• Hyssop
• Jasmine
• Juniper
• Marjoram
• Myrrh
• Origanum
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme