To Your Health
November, 2008 (Vol. 02, Issue 11) |
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Creating A Healthy Lifestyle With Aromatherapy
By Shellie Enteen, BA, LMT
The current flood of information about harmful chemicals in products commonly used for personal care, cleaning and laundry has caused thoughtful people to seek healthy alternatives. The good news is there is an easy and delightful way to eliminate many health risks while increasing the benefits by using simple, inexpensive ingredients and true aromatic essential oils.
Skin Care
The properties of certain essential oils that affect skin cell metabolism, circulation, elimination, and the ability to curb bacteria and fungus make them great to use in skin care products. Because essential oils are highly concentrated substances, they must be diluted before being used on the skin (with the exception of lavender in the case of a headache, cut or burn). Essential oils do not mix with water, so a fatty substance is used - usually a cold-pressed vegetable/nut oil such as almond, apricot kernel or sesame. Fractionated coconut oil has had the solid (white) coconut fragrance portions removed, but it retains the same essential fatty acids as human skin, making it a wonderful choice when complete penetration is desired. This long-lasting oil never oxidizes, will not produce a rancid smell and will launder easily out of clothing and sheets. Thicker oils, such as sesame, are highly emollient and desirable for dry skin. Cold-pressed oils can be found in your local health food store, but fractionated coconut may be purchased online. For bathing, essential oils can be diluted in honey (a tablespoon will do), milk (with high-fat content) or bath salts.
A skin care regimen might consist of steaming, exfoliation, mask, toner and moisturizer. Here are some simple ways to do it yourself and enjoy the cost savings and health benefits. (For optimum results, always choose organic ingredients whenever possible.)
How to make an infusion for steaming: Make an infusion by steeping two organic chamomile or jasmine green-tea bags in 2 cups of boiling purified water for at least 15 minutes. When cool, bottle and label with the date. This will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Mix some of the infusion with water in a small pan, bring to a boil and remove from stove. Allow to cool slightly, then place a towel over the head and pan to tent the steam for a few minutes. The fragrant steam will open the pores, soothe the skin and relax the mind.
How to make an exfoliating scrub: Ingredients can include sugar, salt, ground oatmeal and medium-grind cornmeal. Example: Add enough cold-pressed oil to a tablespoon of cornmeal to make a thick paste. Add four to seven drops of an essential oil appropriate for your skin type. (Lavender, geranium and palmarosa are good for all skin types.) Stir. Gently rub this mixture on the face, avoiding the eyes, nostrils and lips. Rinse off and pat dry with towel. Larger amounts can be used for full-body scrubs, which can be applied and rinsed off in the shower.
