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Aromatherapy Basics - Recipes and Tips

Aromatherapy Basics Recipes and Tips Aromatherapy Basics: You Are Here: Infusions | Tea | Massage | Foot Baths Bath & Skin Care: Bath & Shower | Hair & Nails | Skin Care | Personal Hygiene Diffuser Recipes: Diffusers | Massage Oils | Meditation Household Recipes: Culinary | Cleaning | Crafts | Pet | Children | Misc. Heal by Ailment: Aches & Pains | Cold & Flu | First Aid | Headache | Sinus & Allergy Infusions Calendula Oil - August 2005 Online Newsletter A wonderful body or massage oil based on an infusion of Calendula. Calendula, or pot marigold, is loved for its healing and soothing qualities. It is important to use cold-pressed oil because it hasn't been solvent-processed or had its nature altered by the application of heat. Calendula flowers Organic olive oil (cold-pressed) Clean glass jar Collect enough flower heads to almost fill your jar. Place on clean paper towels and allow them to rest for about 30 minutes. Add your flowers to the jar and cover with oil. Cap tightly and keep covered in a warm place for a week. Strain thoroughly and store oil in a clean glass jar or bottle. Flaxseed Poultice - May 2004 Online Newsletter Grind seed and add enough water to make a paste. Apply directly to affected area. Wrap with cloth leave on up to 3 hours. Poultice - April 2004 Online Newsletter Soak the fresh or dried flowers in boiled water and let cool to desired temperature. (Add ice for cold poultice.) Squeeze out excess water from herb, rub oil on the affected area to prevent sticking and apply the soaked herb directly to affected area then wrap with bandage, gauze or cotton strips. Leave on up to 3 hours. To Make a Simple Infusion - Steep 1/4 cup herb for 15 to 20 minutes in a quart of water that has just been boiled. Let cool. Never boil herbs because they will lose their volatile oils and much of their healing qualities. An infusuion will keep for up to 7 days, so it is easy to make up ahead of time. Basic Rosewater February 2004 Online Newsletter Made by steeping dried rose petals in water that has been brought to a boil. 1 cup dried rose petals 4 cups water Steep until leaves turn translucent and all color is extracted - about 10 minutes. Cover and allowed to "age" overnight in the refrigerator. Strain petals. Funnel into a bottle. Stores for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator. For Sweetened Rosewater, add 2 Tbs. of raw honey before boiling. When you are creating a blend remember that almost every blend is enhanced by adding even 1 drop of Lavender. Infused Oil - Fill a clear glass jar with dried flowers, petals or leaves. Pour in your favorite oil until it completely covers the herb, close the jar, and shake well. Place jar in a sunny location, shake everyday for 2-6 weeks. Strain the herbs with cheesecloth, squeezing out all remaining oil. Pour your infused oil into dark glass bottles, label and store. Infused Oil Tips: > For a stronger cold infusion, repeat the whole process with your infused oil and fresh herbs. > Crushing herbs with a morter and pestle makes a stronger infusion. > Olive oil works well for cold infusions, because it rarely becomes rancid. > Add vitamin E to help preserve your oil. > Make a hot infusion by putting the herbs and oil in a non-metal, oven-proof bowl over a saucepan of boiling water (like a double boiler). Cover and simmer gently for 2-3 hours. Basic Calendula Infused Oil - March 2004 Online Newsletter Fill a glass jar with dried Calendula petals. Fill the jar with oil. Cap tightly and keep covered in a warm place for a week. Strain thoroughly and store oil in a clean glass jar or bottle. To make a Peppermint vapor, add 5 to 10 drops of Peppermint oil to 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cover your head with a large towel while leaning over the pot. A compress with Peppermint Essential Oil relieves the symptoms of a sinus infection. Mix 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil in two cups of warm water. Lay a small cloth dampened with the mixture across your nose and your cheekbones. Breathe deeply, keeping your eyes closed. Excellent for headaches too. Top of Page > Home Tea Delightful Herb Tea Blend - August 2005 Online Newsletter 1/4 cup dried orange, pineapple or apple mint 2 tablespoons dried rosemary 1 tablespoon dried sage 2 tablespoons dried lemon balm 1 tablespoon dried calendula petals 3 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers Combine the dried herbs together and store in an airtight container. Use 1 tsp. for a cup of tea. Evening Herbal Tea - July 2005 Online Newsletter Great for your nerves and your hair and nails. 2 Tbsp Spearmint 2 Tbsp Oatstraw Combine in a glass airtight container. Use 1 teaspoon per cup after dinner, or before bedtime. Sweeten with honey for greater benefits. Catnip tea - September 2004 Online Newsletter 2 teaspoons dried catnip 8 oz boiled water Let steep 5-10 minutes until cool enough to drink. For children give 1/2 cup. For Babies, dilute 1 tablespoon tea in milk. Mintcream: Add 3 tbsp. to 12 cup heavy cream use in cocoa or coffee. Herbal Tea Blend - September 2004 Online Newsletter 1/2 cup dried catnip 3/4 cup dried chamomile 1 cup dried lemon balm 1/4 cup dried mint 1/4 cup dried lemongrass Mix the herbs thoroughly, and store in an air tight container. For a cup of tea, use 2 tsp in a cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes and strain out the herbs. Flaxseed Tea - May 2004 Online Newsletter 1 tablespoon of crushed seeds per cup of water. Let partially dissolve, then drink, followed by a second cup of water. Tea For Relaxation - April 2004 Online Newsletter 1 tablespoon English breakfast tea 1 teaspoon Elder Flowers 2 teaspoon Rose Hips 1 teaspoon Chamomile 2 teaspoon Hops Mix all ingredients together and steep one tablespoon to one cup of hot water. Delightful Herbal Tea Blend - March 2004 Online Newsletter 1/4 cup dried Orange, Pineapple or Apple Mint 2 tablespoons dried Rosemary 1 tablespoon dried Sage 2 tablespoons dried Lemon balm 1 tablespoon dried Calendula petals 3 tablespoons dried Chamomile flowers Combine the dried herbs together and store in an airtight container. Use 1 teaspoon per cup of tea. Lemon Balm Iced Tea - August 2003 Online Newsletter 1 bunch (1-1/2 to 2 ounces) fresh Lemon Balm 1 small lemon, thinly sliced 4 mint tea bags 2 cups boiling water 3 tablespoons honey 4 cups cold water Combine all ingredients in a teapot, reserving 6 sprigs of Lemon Balm for garnish. . Pour in boiling water. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Stir in honey. Cool to room temperature. Strain into a pitcher and Refrigerate until serving time. TO SERVE Garnish with reserved Lemon Balm. Dried Rose Tea - - February 2001 Online Newsletter A mild sedative, high in Vitamin C. Helps lower cholesterol levels. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried petals or hips per cup of boiled water. Steep 10 minutes. Sage Tea - - April 2001 Online Newsletter Make an infusion to settle the stomach. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. This may also be used as a gargle. Sage tastes warm, pleasantly aromatic, and somewhat pungent. Tea For Nervous Tension: - May 2001 Online Newsletter 1 1/3 oz. St. John's Wort 1 oz. Lemon Balm Leaves 1 oz. Valerian Use 1 tsp. of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min., strain, sweeten if necessary. Drinking a cup of this tea before going to bed each night for several weeks will calm overwrought nerves, lift depression, and help you fall asleep more easily. Tea For Coughing Fits: - May 2001 Online Newsletter 1 1/3 oz. St. John's Wort 2/3 oz. Thyme 2/3 oz. Linden Flowers Use 1 tsp. of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water to soothe irritations of the upper respiratory tract that cause coughing. Steep for 5-10 min., strain, sweeten with honey for added benefit. This tea has proved helpful with bronchitis and whooping cough. Tea For Migraines: - May 2001 Online Newsletter 1 2/3 oz. St. John's Wort 1 oz Valerian 1 oz. Linden Flowers 1/4 oz. Juniper Berries Use 1 tsp. of the mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min, strain and sweeten. This tea helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation. If your headaches are triggered by weather, drink the tea as the weather is changing. Lemon Balm Tea - - August 2001 Online Newsletter Drink for colds, fever, indigestion, PMS and insomnia. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried crushed herbs per cup of boiled water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink Rosemary tea to clear sinus, bronchitis & colds. Also great for settling the stomach. Makes a good mouthwash for halitosis. Relaxes stomach muscles of the digestive tract and uterus. Great for upset stomachs and menstrual cramps. Also a great decongestant for colds, flu and allergies. Blends well with mint, bergamot, basil, lemon, juniper, lavender, thyme, and peppermint as well as many others. - September 2001 Online Newsletter Peppermint Tea - December 2001 Online Newsletter 1-2 teaspoons of dried, crushed peppermint leaves. Steep 10 minutes. Great for indigestion, cramps, and other stomach disorders. Hot Spiced Tea - November 2000 Online Newsletter 2 qts. fresh brewed Orange Spice tea 2 c. water 2 c. sugar 2 large cans pineapple 1 1/2 c. lemon juice 3 c. orange juice 1 stick cinnamon 1 t. whole cloves - tied in cheesecloth Boil 2 c. each water and sugar together 10 minutes to make syrup. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to boil. Simmer 20 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon. Serve hot. - January 2002Online Newsletter High Calcium Tea 2 tsp. Peppermint 1 tsp. Oatstraw 1/2 tsp. Chamomile Bedtime Tea 2 tsp Oatstraw 1 tsp. Chamomile 1/2 tsp. Lavender Soul Soothing Tea 1 tsp. Oatstraw 1 tsp. Chamomile 1/2 tsp. St. John's Wort Rejuvenating Tea 3 tsp. Green tea 1 tsp Lemon Balm 1 tsp. Oatstraw 1 tsp. Peppermint Tea - January 2002 Online Newsletter Add four tablespoons of dried oatstraw to one quart of water. Bring it to a boil and let it sit covered for four hours, then strain the herb from the infusion. Drink at room temperature throughout the day or re-heat your infusion as desired. Drink to soothe nerves, great for stress PMS and menopause. Throw in a pinch of St. John's Wort or Chamomile herb for additional benefits. Hibiscus Herbal Tea - February 2002 Online Newsletter 6 c. water 4 oz dried Hibiscus flowers 1/2 cup fresh lime juice Sugar or another sweetener to taste. Directions: Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat. Add Hibiscus blossoms and allow to steep, covered. When cool, add sugar to taste, and lime juice. Mix and chill for a refreshing tea! Preparation time: 10 min. Sleep Time Tea - March 2002 Online Newsletter Combine 1/2 tea. Chamomile flowers with 1/2 teaspoon Hops. Steep 5 minutes. Drink after dinner and before bed. This tea is also great for digestion. Mint Tea for Nausea  - July 2002 Online Newsletter Steep 1 teaspoon dried Spearmint leaves in 8 -12 oz hot water. Drink after dinner or at first sign of nausea. Also good for PMS symptoms and gas. Top of Page > Home First Aid Upset Stomach Compress - September 2002 Online Newsletter Make a compress by folding or rolling a washcloth. Use up to 6 drops of Chamomile essential oil in a bowl of warm water. Mix then submurge compress cloth, ring out and apply to tummy area. Repeat as compress cools. Garden First Aid - Rub fresh Sage leaves on stings and bites. Or crush some fresh leaves into cuts and scrapes on the way to thoroughly washing and bandaging them. Compress - May 2001 Online Newsletter Make an infusion of the dried St. John's Wort. Can be used hot or cold for headaches, wounds and rashes. Soothing An Upset Tummy- December 2000 Online Newsletter Try this tip that is especially soothing for upset stomachs. Add up to 6 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil to a bowl of warm water. Mix well, put a small cloth in the water, wring out excess and apply compress to tummy area. For minor kitchen burns, apply pure Lavender essential oil generously to the affected area, then cool with ice cubes. The next day the skin should look like nothing happened. For the Ears: For middle-ear infections, saturate a cotton ball in olive oil, drip 5 drops of Lavender oil onto it and place it on the outer part of the affected ear. The Lavender oil will help relieve the pain and inhibit the inflammation that often accompanies ear infections. Top of Page > Home Massage Oils Clarifying Blend - January 2005 Online Newsletter An aromatherapy blend inspired by traditional Chinese use can evoke a feeling of gentle clarity and inspire the harmonious flow of emotional energy. This blend uses oils with balancing and mildly energizing aromas. 28 drops Patchouli essential oil 28 drops Lavender essential oil 29 drops Bergamot essential oil 10 drops Clary Sage essential oil 5 drops Rosemary essential oil 3 drops of this blend, added to one ounce of any carrier oil makes a great massage oil. Foot Massage Blend - October 2002 Online Newsletter 1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond 15 drops Clary Sage 10 drops Lemon 5 drops Lavender Directions: Mix the oils well and store in an air-tight, dark glass container. Massage gently into the feet. Peace and Love Massage Oil - August 2002 Online Newsletter 3 drops Patchouli 3 drops Sandalwood 1 oz. Grapeseed Oil or your favorite carrier oil. Exotic Massage Oil - July 2001 Online Newsletter 2 oz Sweet Almond Oil 14 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil 12 drops Geranium Essential Oil 10 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil 8 drops Patchouli Essential Oil 6 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil Add the above essential oils to the bottle of Sweet Almond Oil, shake gently before use. Sensual Massage Oil -November 2000 Online Newsletter 10 teaspoons grapeseed oil 7 drops of sandalwood essential oil 2 drops orange essential oil 1 drop cinnamon essential oil Blend ingredients well. As with any massage oil, warm up oil before doing massage. Great perfume this time of year. Romantic Blend - October 2000 Online Newsletter This is a sensual, exotic blend that is very nice for massage or diffusing! Add these essential oils to 1 ounce of your favorite massage oil, shake well and enjoy! Or put the mixed essential oils in a diffuser to scent your home. 6 drops lavender oil 4 drops sweet orange oil 3 drops ylang ylang oil 2 drops clary sage Tension Headache Massage Oil - December 2000 Online Newsletter 1 Tablespoon Grapeseed Oil 1 drop each Chamomile, Lavender and Rosemary Add essential oils to carrier oil and gently stir. Massage into the forehead where hairline and forehead meet. Using light pressure and small circles, gently massage hairline around to the back of the neck. When you reach your temples, massage for 30 secs. before continuing. Do the same at the back of the neck. Repeat 3-4 time per session. Aromatic Baby Oil - May 2002 Online Newsletter 2 oz. Sweet Almond oil 2 drops Roman Chamomile 6 drops Lavender For baby massage or diaper area. Top of Page > Home Misc. When traveling, place a tissue or cotton ball with a few drops of Lavender inside a plastic zip lock baggie. Keep this in your purse or glove compartment and open up and breathe as needed. Try a few drops of Lavender and Lemon to help with Jet Lag. Try this method with other essential oils, perhaps Peppermint and Lemon for long car trips. Sheets scented with essential oil of Lavender help to induce sleep. There are a few ways to accomplish this. * Add a few drops of Lavender essential oil to the rinse cycle while washing. * Toss a little bag of dried Lavender in the dryer. * Store sheets in linen closet with Lavender sachets (or Lavender Bags.) * Spray sheets with Lavender floral water. Store stationery and envelopes in ziplock bags with a cotton ball scented with lavender oil. Or in a box with dried Lavender sprigs. A few drops of Lavender in a watering can will encourage healthy growth in house plants.Top of Page > Home Foot Baths Soothing Foot Bath 2 drops Lemon oil 2 drops Patchouli oil 2 drops Tea Tree oil Add drops to a foot bath and enjoy! 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