Essential Oils - Use With Lotion to Moisturize and Soften Your Skin Naturally

Do you have to wash your hands often? As a nurse, I probably wash my hands at least 20 times a day. Does winter or dry weather leave you with rough, chapped hands? I find that my hands really need special attention in the winter. This article gives ways to use healing essential oils in simple recipes for lotion that will soften the skin and effectively replenish moisture to rough, dry hands. I have found the simplest way to use essential oils with lotion is to add my favorite oils to a quality, non-scented, non-perfumed, natural lotion base.

This recipe is for a great moisturizing lotion for the skin:

· 8 ounces of lotion base

· 15 drops of geranium

· 10 drops of myrrh

· 5 drops of ylang ylang.

Always use only pure therapeutic grade essential oils. Add the essential oils to the lotion base, gently mix the solution, and add a label with the ingredients to the container. Geranium and myrrh are classic essential oils for healing the skin. I add ylang ylang just because I love its aroma. A very important principle of aromatherapy is that the consumer likes the aroma. If they don't like it, they won't use it. There are many combinations that you can use.

For chapped hands, try adding 10 drops each of rosewood, patchouli and geranium to around 8 ounces of a quality unperfumed lotion base. Apply on location as needed.

For dry skin, try adding 10 drops each of rose, Roman chamomile, and sandalwood to 8 ounces of lotion base. Be certain that only pure, therapeutic grade essential oils are used.

If you are interested in making your own lotion to add the essential oils to, this very old recipe will help cool and soften the skin, as well as clean stains from hands:

· 1 ounce of rosewater (floral essential oil water)

· 1 ounce of fresh squeezed lemon juice

· 1 ounce of glycerin

· 10 drops of your choice of therapeutic grade essential oils

Put all of these ingredients together in a clean container and shake gently. Label the bottle with the ingredients and instructions to shake well before using each time and store in the refrigerator. This needs to be used within 2-3 weeks, so it is wise to make small amounts at a time.

Here is another recipe for a winter lotion:

· 1/2 cup of distilled water or rosewater

· 1/2 cup of jojoba carrier oil

· 1 Tablespoon of lecithin

· 1 capsule of Vitamin E

· 10-20 drops of your choice of pure therapeutic grade essential oils

Put the water/rosewater, jojoba and lecithin in a blender and whip until it forms a nice lotion. You can add more water/rosewater if you desire a thinner lotion. Cut open the vitamin E capsule and add the Vitamin E and essential oils at the end. Lecithin is an emulsifier, or mixing agent, that helps oil and water stay together. Mix well. Store in clean container and label with the ingredients.

While a cream is a vegetable oil with water added, it is an ideal moisturizer for dry skin, Lotion contains more water than cream, so it is thinner and less oily. The consistency of lotion makes it ideal for normal to oily skin. It has the quality of spreading easily and doesn't leave an oily coat over the skin. Adding essential oils enhances its therapeutic value.By Judy Lausch

Using Essential Oils to Prevent Wrinkles - If You Are Over 50

I love the little story about the granddaughter who looked at her grandmother's wizened face, traced some of the lines with her finger, and said: "Oh grandma, what beautiful lines on your face." So let's just be positive about this! We did earn these lines, didn't we? Yes, wrinkles ARE a sign of aging. They are a symbol of wisdom. Why is it, then, that we do everything possible to keep them away? Oh, that youthful appearance. So desired. So coveted that we consider drastic measures like facelifts, and risk horrible outcomes by letting people put injections in our face to plump up our skin. Hopefully this article will give you some safe, natural ways to ward off those signs of aging.

Just like the old adage says, beauty is more than skin deep. Many factors are involved in keeping that elastic skin that looks youthful and glowing. But when we look at skin, we can truly see the effects of a healthy or not-so-healthy lifestyles. If you have spent long days out in sun, smoked or overused alcohol, or ate a high-fat diet loaded with artificial ingredients, succumbed to insomnia and stress, or abused your skin with over-manipulation or cleaning, people will be able to see a lasting impression of this mistreatment.

Fortunately the skin can renew itself, although it takes longer as we grow older. So it is never too late to change from an abusive to a healthy lifestyle. Start working from the inside out by internal cleansing and drinking adequate amounts of water. As you start eating foods rich in anti-oxidants, vegetables containing vitamins A,B,C,E and zinc, you will even begin to feel the skin's positive response. Regular exercise will help increase metabolism and circulation, deep breathing exercises will help bring needed oxygen to the cells.

You can also help bring blood flow and vitality to the skin with regular brushing of the skin to remove dead cells and dry skin. This is very rejuvenating. Start with a soft bristled brush, put a couple of drops of essential oils such as lavender or myrtle, and brush the whole body in a circular or figure eight pattern. Brush toward the heart. It is especially good to brush before a shower or bath. Facial masks are very moisturizing and excellent cleaners. Ask your aromatherapist about what is best for your particular skin type, and needs, but for mature skin and wrinkles, this mask is recommended:

Natural Facial Mask for Wrinkles

1 tsp. fine oatmeal

1 tsp. fine cornmeal

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. natural yogurt

1/2 tsp. Brewer's yeast

2 drops Myrtle essential oil

1 drop Galbanum essential oil

1 drop Frankincense essential oil

1 drop Myrrh essential oil.

Mix the first five ingredients together with enough floral or distilled water to make a paste. Then stir in the essential oil and mix well. Put this on your fingertips, and then massage it gently onto your face with upward movements. Do not rub hard, and avoid the eyes. Leave it on for about 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water to remove. Spray with a gentle mist to your face.

And now finally, here is the wrinkle prevention oil specifically for people over 50:

Wrinkle Prevention Oil If You Are Over 50

1 Tbsp Apricot Kernel Oil

1 tsp Evening Primrose or Kukui Oil

1 tsp Wheatgerm Oil

3 Drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil

4 Drops Neroli Essential Oil

4 Drops Myrtle Essential Oil

3 Drops Galbanum Essential Oil

2 drops Myrrh Essential Oil

1 Drop Rose Essential Oil (for women) or

1 Drop Jasmine Essential Oil (for men)

2 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil

Combine these ingredients in a 1-ounce dark glass bottle. Cap the bottle and mix gently. Label with the ingredients and instructions. Apply 2-4 drops of the blend onto your fingertips, and apply to a moistened face and neck. Work upward, gently massaging the facial tissue.

By Judy Lausch

Camphor Oil - Its Essential Aspects

Camphor is the white, waxy, terpenoid and transparent with a strong aromatic odor. It is extracted from Cinnamomum Camphora from the lauraceae family and it is also called true camphor. Although this oil has toxic effects, it can be used in vapor therapy to clear the lungs. Camphor oil is produced in 3 fractions known as white, yellow and brown camphor. Among these only white is used as it has clear and fresh smell, the other two are not used in aromatherapy because they are toxic and carcinogenic due to the presence of safrole.
It can be used for many purposes like arthritis, bronchitis, cold, coughs, depression, fever, flu, gout, infections, inflammation, insect repellant, muscular aches and pains, nervous tension, oily skin conditions, rheumatism, shock, sprains. It blends well with citrus oils, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary and spicy oils. But this white camphor oil should be avoided with homeopathic and while pregnant because then it may cause skin irritation.
The active component of camphor oil is found in every part of the camphor tree and this tree is native to Taiwan, China, and Japan and can often grow very old. The tree must be at least 50 years old at the time of extraction of the oil. Camphor oil acne is one of the important uses of camphor and it is used in a number of professional acne skin care products. It helps in revitalizing and rejuvenating the skin and it can be effectively combined with castor oil to treat acne.
In cases when hair is falling due to bacterial and fungal infections this herbal oil can be used effectively. Along with antiseptic qualities camphor oil fights fungus and viruses naturally to help bring back healthy and nourished hair. It is one of the best oils that can nourish your hair and make them healthy and shiny and can be used by anyone who suffers from hair loss. As it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-viral property, it is very useful in case of scalp related problems and dandruff. Regular use of this oil should be accompanied with plenty of water, nutritious diet and adequate rest for its complete benefits in the growth of the hair. This herbal remedy is also used sometimes for eyebrows.
The aroma of the camphor oil promotes calmness and provides soothing effect to the one using it. It has amazing ability to treat various disorders as we have discussed above and hence, it is one of the best oil to be used in day to day life.

By Sanjeev Kumar Chaudhary

Essential Oils for Eczema

Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by extremely dry skin, inflammation and red clusters of bumps that can become scaly, thick and crusty. This is never fun to deal with and trying to get rid of it can be a constant battle. Although a natural treatment may take longer for healing, however there are some amazing essential oils for eczema that have a more lasting effect without the negative side effects of drug therapy.
Essential Oil Blends
One of the best ways to use aromatherapy oils for eczema is to make a blend. In order to do this, you should mix a carrier oil with several drops of healing essential oils. It is very important to dilute your blend, as essential oils are highly concentrated and could make your skin worse if applied directly to the skin. Ideal carrier oils include primrose, avocado, almond or jojoba oil; all of these are rich in omega fatty acids and other nutrients. For every two ounces of carrier oil, blend twenty-five drops of essential oil in with it. Make sure to store it correctly, in an airtight plastic or glass container, away from heat and light.
What Essential Oils Should I Use?
This is a good question to ask yourself when deciding which aromatherapy oils to use for your eczema. There are a variety of oils that can help; here is a list of a few and their specific properties:
• Geranium Oil: Often used in skin treatments for its normalizing and balancing properties.
• Lavender Oil: Has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, calming, and normalizing properties. It also supports immune health and is extremely beneficial for alleviating stress.
• Sandalwood Oil: Works as an antiseptic and a skin moisturizer.
• Tea Tree Oil: Protects the skin from infection, as an antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal oil. This does not blend as well with other oils because it has a distinct smell.
• Clary Sage Oil: Is an anti-inflammatory and helps minimize stress and anxiety.
Most oils have a great deal of health benefits, and by using them you will do more for yourself than just treat eczema. They are all used for aromatherapy and can reduce stress and anxiety, a common trigger for eczema. Give these aromatherapy oils for eczema a try.
As a form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is gaining momentum. It is used in a diverse range of applications for pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function. Aromatherapy is something anyone can start doing to provide increased health and wellness to themselves and their family. Grab a carrier oil and your favorite essential oils and get started!

By Emmy E Bill