A Light Touch
Essential Oil Information
Essential Oils are natural substances extracted from grasses, flowers, herbs, shrubs, trees, resins and spices, usually through a process called steam distillation. Oils can soothe, relax, rejuvenate, heal, energize or relieve pain, thereby affecting the body's physical, psychological and emotional levels. Essential Oil used in this manner is traditionally called aromatherapy. If you plan to recreate a spa treatment at home, or plan to follow one of "Spa at Home" recipes which appear on my Useful Information page, know that Essential Oils can present certain hazards. Whenever possible, consult an aromatherapy practitioner. I have noted some contraindications, so use oils carefully. Essential Oils should never be applied directly to the skin, and should always be diluted by adding 1-4 drops of Essential Oil to 2-4 ounces of carrier oil (jojoba, calendula, or sweet almond). Once diluted they can be used for local applications on the body, added to the bath, or used in compresses. They can also be mixed with water and alcohol for a refreshing room or linen spray. Most high-quality health food stores will carry Essential Oils. The properties of each essential oil are listed in the order of the strongest property. A Angelica: Strengthens, restores, and anchors. Avoid use in full sun. Aniseed: Reduces cramping and indigestion. Do not use if pregnant. Armoise: Emollient and muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant. Return to top B Basil: Soothes and tones. Use sparingly. Bay: Stimulates and energizes. Can irritate skin. Bergamot: Conditions skin, soothes. Antiseptic. Photo toxic. Birch Tar: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Do not use if pregnant. Black Currant Seed: Relieves PMS. High in Vitamin C. Black Pepper: Muscle relaxant. Return to top C Cabreuva: Calming, increases alertness. Cajeput: Stimulates, mood enhancer, antiseptic. Camphor: Soothes, conditions skin, muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic. Cananga: Skin conditioner, deodorant. Caraway: Muscle relaxant. Cardamom: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent. Carrot Seed: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner. Cedarwood: Antiseptic, skin conditioner, deodorant, soothing agent. Celery Seed: Toner. Chamomile Moroc: Muscle Relaxant, skin conditioner. Chamomile Roman: Muscle Relaxant, skin conditioner. Cinnamon Bark: Skin conditioner, anti-inflammatory. Can cause skin irritation. Citronella: Skin conditioner, insect repellent. Clary Sage: Skin conditioner, astringent, soothing agent, muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant or if drinking alcohol. Clove Bud: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Can irritate skin. Copaiba Balsam: Increases circulation, reduces stress. Coriander: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Use sparingly. Costus Root: Calming agent. Cumin: Stimulating. Can irritate skin. Use sparingly. Return to top D Return to top E Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, soothing agent, skin conditioner, sinus clearing. Evening Primrose: Moisturizes dry skin and treats eczema. Return to top F Sweet Fennel: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, antiseptic. Frankincense: Skin conditioner, soothing agent. Return to top G Geranium: Skin refresher, muscle relaxant. Ginger: Astringent. Grapefruit: Soothing agent, astringent, skin conditioner. Return to top H Hyssop: Soothing agent, skin conditioner. Do not use if pregnant, epileptic, or have high blood pressure. Return to top I Return to top J Jasmine Absolute: Emollient, soothing agent, antiseptic. Juniper: Skin detoxifier, astringent, soothing agent. Flammable. Return to top K Return to top L Lavandin: Soothing agent, muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, astringent. Lavender: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent, astringent. Lemon: Soothing agent, antiseptic. Lemongrass: Skin conditioner, soothing agent, muscle relaxant, antiseptic. Lime: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent. Return to top M Mandarin: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent. Manuka: Relieves aches and pains, healing to the skin. Myrrh: Anti-inflammatory, emollient, antiseptic. Use in moderation if pregnant. Return to top N Neroli: Antiseptic, emollient. Nutmeg: Antiseptic, soothes irritated skin, muscle relaxant. Return to top O Orange: Astringent, soothing agent, skin conditioner. Origanum: Increases energy. Return to top P Palmarosa: Skin conditioner, soothing agent, emollient, muscle relaxant. Peppermint: Emollient, antiseptic, muscle relaxant. Pine: Antiseptic Return to top Q Return to top R Rose Absolute: Skin conditioner Rose Otto: Astringent Rosemary: Antiseptic, muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner. Do not use if pregnant or have high blood pressure. Rosewood: Muscle relaxant. Return to top S Sage: Soothing agent. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic. Sandalwood: Antiseptic, emollient, soothing agent, skin conditioner. Spearmint: Emollient, astringent, soothing agent. Use sparingly. Return to top T Tarragon: Astringent Tea Tree: Antiseptic, acne fighter, dandruff fighter Thyme: Antiseptic, toner Return to top V Vanilla: Emollient Vetiver: Emollient, reduces blood pressure Violet Leaf: Soothing agent, skin conditioner Return to top W Return to top Y Yarrow: Reduces scarring Ylang-Ylang: Reduces stress and tension Return to top |
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Effective Facials and Skin Care