Herbal Healing Essential Oils
It’s no secret I’m a huge advocate of essential oils and use them for their soothing and therapeutic benefits. Each one has its own amazing properties when used individually but can be even more powerful when used in combination with other oils.
Photo by Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash
It’s that time of year when you’re either recovering from a sickness, in the midst of one or on the verge of catching something else. Freezing temperatures and never-ending snow wreak havoc on our immunities, so it really is important to make time for self care, to soothe ourselves back to wellness or boost our systems to prevent further illness from coming on.
Rosemary is a herb commonly used in cooking but you may not know of its many perks as an essential oil. We break down the top uses of this natural beauty.
Looking to soak up some rays now that summer is coming around? Or maybe you’re about to embark on that much-deserved vacation in a sunny location.
It can be tempting to slather on cheaply made SPF lotions that claim the ultimate protection, but like all things we put into and onto our bodies, they are inevitably absorbed into our system, soaking up more unnecessary chemicals.
Mainstream branded sunscreens may actually do more harm than good as some health professionals say the chemicals in them can cause hormone imbalance, disrupt the male reproductive system and have even been linked to some cancers. The doctor in this Huffington Post article breaks down the ingredients in everyday sunscreens, explaining why they’re harmful, and suggests natural alternatives for skin protection. Natural sunscreens are not absorbed by the skin, but provide a protective layer, blocking out the UV-A and UV-B rays. Look out for natural mineral sunscreens that contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Contrary to what we’re told, these products are not the only way to protect your skin before and after sun exposure.
Create your own
The following oil can be worn as a sunscreen in the day but is also very effective in relieving the drying conditions of sunburn, when exposed during more invigorating types of weather and activities, such as sailing, hiking or skiing.
It is a rather thick oil so be sure to blend the ingredients well.
Après ski, sun, sail and hike oil
- Chamomile 10 drops
- Geranium 10 drops
- Lavender 10 drops
- Diluted in:
- Jojoba Oil 1 Tsp (5 ml)
- Sesame Oil 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Evening Primrose Oil 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Sweet Almond Oil 1 Tsp (25 ml)
After a dose of sunbathing, its good use an oil that contains essential oils – it will not only prolong your tan but it will nourish your skin. Apply all over the body after showering or bathing.
After Sun Oil
- Lavender 10 drops
- Chamomile 5 drops
- Bergamot 1 drop
- Geranium 2 drops
- Diluted in:
- Almond Oil approximately 2 ounces (62 ml) and
- Sesame Oil approximately 2 Tbsp (50 ml)
*Sesame Oil is a natural sun filter and by using it in warm evening baths you will be protecting your skin from the early evening sun and cooling yourself down.
After Sun Bath
- Chamomile 4 drops
- Geranium 3 drops
- Peppermint 1 drop
- Diluted in 1 Tbsp (25 ml) Jojoba Oil
Dilute the essential oils in the Jojoba Oil and add it all to the bath. While there, gently massage oil over the areas that have been exposed to the sun.
Essential oils – we hear about them so often but it’s not always clear how to use them. In this series of blog posts, we’re going to look at the benefits of essential oils, the properties of different ones and how you can actually use them in every day life.
