Choosing Essential Oils
All
essential oils add a feeling of luxury to a massage, so chose
any that appeal to you. These are some of the most common essential
oils and the properties ascribed to them. Feel free to blend
oils and see what you get. Don't blend more than two or three.
If you are using a very expensive oil like rose, don't blend
it with anything except for the carrier oil.
Bergamot:
Antiseptic, astringent, antidepressant, uplifting and refreshing
Helps depression, sore throat, digestive problems. Good for
acne and oily hair. Do NOT use before sun exposure, it tends
to make the skin sun-sensitive.
Chamomile:
Calming, refreshing Helps: muscle aches, menstrual cramps, headache
and digestive problems. Good for sensitive skin. Used in hair
products to lighten blonde hair.
Cardamom:
Antiseptic, helps digestive problems and gas, used for nausea
and headache.
Eucalyptus:
Antiseptic and stimulating. Used for treating coughs, colds
and aches.
Frankincense:
Calming, helps relaxation, said to fight wrinkles.
Geranium:
Astringent, good for depression, tones the skin and used as
an insect repellent hundreds of years ago.
Ilang-Ilang:
Antiseptic, aphrodisiac. Good for dry skin and for blending
other oils.
Jasmine:
Antiseptic, aphrodisiac, said to 'speed up labor'. Used for
years for postpartum depression. (Never used without consulting
your physician if you postnatal.)
Lavender:
Antiseptic, antidepressant, relaxing and calming. Helps insomnia,
menstrual cramps and most people will agree that is have a relaxing
quality about it.
Marjoram:
Sedative, warming, comforting.
Melissa:
Refreshing and uplifting. Helps headaches and menstrual cramps.
Neroli:
Calming, good for anxiety and insomnia.
Orange
Oil: Good for blending, for an relaxing and calming massage.
It is often mixed with lavendar or grapefruit oil.
Rose:
Very expensive. Antiseptic, antidepressant. A little goes a
long way.
Rosemary:
Antiseptic, refreshing and stimulating. Used for headaches,
migraines, the common cold and muscle aches. The stimulating
properties are said to help 'clear thinking'. Good for the memory.
Sandalwood:
Antiseptic, calming, aphrodisiac. Useful for dry skin and used
on acne.
Tea Tree
Oil: Antiseptic, fungicide, treat minor cuts, good for minor
acne.
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