ESSENTIAL OILS

 

When purchasing Essential Oils:

Label on bottle should contain the following information:

Botanical Family - should state the botanical family for which the oil belongs
Latin Name - important because there are several different varieties of most oils, each with different properties.
Country of Origin - the oil quality varies. ie: the best Rose oil comes from Bulgaria
Year it was Distilled - this assures you that time has not destroyed the oil’s properties

Storage:

Preferably in a dark place and always in dark colored glass bottles.

Methods of Application:

Massage - perhaps the most common method
Diffusion or vaporization or inhalation - this is the evaporation of the oils in the air to provide mental and physical benefits
Ointments and creams - this is a gentle method for specific problems
Compress - a hot or cold or alternating method can drive essential oils in to the body and draw out toxins.
Bath - a relaxing yet difficult method to do well from a therapeutic point of view. It is excellent for woman who apply the oils to themselves first diluted in a carrier oil
Suppositories (vaginal or rectal) - Not allowed in Canada
Ingestion - Not allowed in Canada

Examples of ways to use Essential Oils to enhance your day-to-day Life:

Diffuse in the air, to clean or fragrance the air
Facial Steam - add a few drops of oil to hot not boiling water, place your face over the bowl and cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply
Bath water - add 4 to 10 drops of oil to your bath or Jacuzzi
Skin Atomizer - add 4 to 10 drops of oil to 60 mls (2 oz) distilled water, add a teaspoon of witch hazel, to a misting bottle then spray the skin for a soothing or a uplifting feeling
Linen Atomizer - to freshen sheets and towels - same as the skin atomizer but mix 20 to 30 drops to 60 mls (2 oz) of distilled water and spray your sheets
Room Atomizer - same as linen atomizer but add 30 to 50 drops to 60 mls (2 oz) of distilled water and spray lightly throughout the room
Quick Picker Upper - remove the cap from the bottle and inhale deeply
Hand or Foot Bath - add 4 to 6 drops of oil to warm water and soak your hands or feet in it. For tired feet you can also add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts to the water
Massage Oil - (adults) add 10 to 15 drops of oil, (children) add 5 to 8 drops of oil to 30 mls (1 oz) of carrier oil (ie: grapeseed, olive, sweet almond, jojoba etc.)
Hot Compress - great for sore tired muscles, add 5 to 10 drops of oil into hot not boiling water. Soak a cloth in the water, wring it out, place on affected area and repeat if necessary.
Cold Compress - great for headaches and swelling, same as for hot compress but use cool or cold water

Suggested Remedies for Common Complaints:

Headache - Sniff Lavender or Peppermint
Acne, pimples or cold sores - Dab Tea Tree on the affected area to help clear up infections
Nausea including morning sickness, motion sickness and carnival rides - Sniff Peppermint
Old potpourri - Revive by adding 10 to 20 drops to the mix and stir
Hangover - After a long night on the town, add juniper to your bath to help detoxify your body
Menstrual cramps - Massage abdomen for with Clary Sage or Yarrow diluted in carrier oil such as grapeseed oil
Breathing – Stuffiness due to cold or flu, Put a few drops of Eucalyptus on a cloth by your pillow at night to help your breathing

REMEMBER:

Essential Oils are generally too concentrated to use directly on your skin. They need to be diluted for application. As with anything, there are exceptions; Lavender and Tea Tree are the most commonly used essential oils and can be applied directly on the skin (neat) in SMALL doses. Some oils have contra-indications, so it is important to learn about any essential oil before using it.

 

CRYSTALS

How do I use crystals in the treatment of ailments?

With most crystals, they can be placed directly on the affected area. Some people are too sensitive and may find that placing the crystal directly on an affected area too painful, therefore to keep the crystal nearby, next to your bed or in a pocket. Some people find they are unable to sleep if there are crystals in their environment. In this instance they simply need to work with the crystals when they are in a conscious state. The crystals can be placed in water and the water ingested. CAUTION: if it is a crystal that can dissolve in water this must obviously not be done. Certain crystals do have toxins, for instance: Sulphur and some types of Fluorite. Therefore it is not advisable to place them in water. www.essence.co.za

 

How do I use the Astrological signs and Numbers related to each crystal?

We would suggest that before you look at any astrological information or any kind of numerological information that you “feel” what the symbol means for you. For instance, if it is Taurus, you may want to imagine what it would be like to be a bull, what emotions and or feelings or visions it may invoke for you. The reason why we say this is because this will begin to develop your ability in learning how to relate to the vast amount of symbolism in a personal way. Every person is individual and different and even though there are millions of Taureans, Librans and Capricorns none of them are identical therefore if a stone vibrates to Capricorn or Libra you need to feel what that energy means to you as an individual as well as the number. If you do feel stuck with trying to establish what it means to you then read up about symbols. We do however strongly promote feeling for yourself what it means to you. www.essence.co.za