Aromatherapy Body Lotion

You can make your own aromatherapy body lotion by simply adding your choice of essential oils(s) to any unscented lotion. The advantages of making your own aromatherapy lotion are that you can choose the specific essential oils you want, and you can be sure to buy and use high-quality oils. Unfortunately, many so-called aromatherapy products on the market use low-quality essential oils. They might smell good, but they give you little or no beneficial effect.

How do you know which essential oils to use? Choose oils that are good for your skin type. Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions: 101 Natural Formulas to Revitalize & Nourish Your Skin recommends the following essential oils as a starting point:

• For oily skin: cypress, lemon, tea tree
  
• For dry skin: carrot seed, helichrysum, rose
  
• For normal skin: geranium, lavender, myrtle
  
• For sensitive skin: German chamomile, lavender, neroli

Note: Lemon and other citrus oils increase your skin's sensitivity to sun. After applying these oils, wait at least two hours before going out in the sun.

How to Make Aromatherapy Body Lotion

Aromatherapy Carrier Oils

Aromatherapy carrier oils are a way to dilute essential oils for use on your skin. The most common carrier oils are vegetable or nut oils; however, you can also use lotions or creams. Look for high-quality oils, organic when possible. Remember, your body absorbs what you put on your skin.

• Apricot kernel oil has a lot of A, B, and E vitamins. It is considered particularly useful for sensitive skin and mature skin.
  
  
• Avocado oil is high in sterolins, which are reputed to reduce age spots and help heal sun damage and scars.
  
  
• Borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant seed oil contain GLA, a fatty acid that the body converts to prostaglandin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  
• Calendula oil is a nutrient rich multipurpose body oil full of vitamins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and natural enzymes. It may be useful for inflammation, bruising, rashes, eczema, and varicose veins
  
  
• Cocoa butter contains vitamin E and a number of other vitamins and minerals.
  
  
• Coconut oil is high in anti-oxidants.
  
  
• Grapeseed oil is a light oil that absorbs quickly and is good for all skin types. It tightens and tones skin.
  
  
• Jojoba oil is useful for dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, arthritis, and rheumatism.
  
  
• Macadamia nut oil is considered one of the best regenerative oils available. Macadamia oil is a protective oil with a high absorption rate and has been successfully used as a healing oil for scars, sunburns, minor wounds, and other irritations.
  
  
• Olive oil promotes a smooth, radiant complexion and helps maintain skin elasticity. Learn more about olive oil skin care.
  
  
• Sweet almond oil is also good for all skin types. It can help relieve itching, soreness, and dryness.
  
  
• Walnut oil has soothing refreshing emollient qualities.

Although not an oil, you can also use aloe vera gel. It penetrates skin deeply, promotes cell repair, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Note: You probably do not want to use nut oils if you are allergic to nuts.

One oil NOT to use: Mineral oil is difficult to absorb, clogs pores, and may have some toxic effects.

One source for aromatherapy carrier oils.

Essential Oils for Grief

If you are dealing with grief and looking for some extra support, here are some suggestions for essential oils for grief.

Marjoram essential oil has a soothing, uplifting scent and is a traditional remedy for grief. Apply a drop or two of the oil to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale when you need a little comfort.

Other essential oils to help in coping with grief:

Cypress – to help you find purpose.
Frankincense – to promote faith.
Hyssop – for strength.
Juniper – for renewal.
Marjoram – for comfort.
Rose – for comfort.
Rosemary – to improve your perception.
Sage – to help you focus.

Suggestions for use:

• Add 8-10 drops of essential oil to the bath and soak for fifteen minutes.
  
• Add a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil and use in full body massage.
  
• Diffuse.
  
• Inhale directly, as mentioned above.

Essential Oils for Mold and Mildrew

Mold comes in many forms, some of it toxic. Click here for detailed instructions on using essential oils for mold that is toxic.

If you have just some simple mold or mildrew, this blend will probably work: Mix 2 teaspoons tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) with 2 cups water (or 1 cup water and 1 cup white vinegar) in a spray bottle. Shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. The smell is strong at first, but it will dissipate.

For a stronger formula:

20 drops clove
20 drops eucalyptus
20 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
28 drops cinnamon
40 drops lemon
1/2 cup distilled water
1/2 cup white vinegar

Mix in spray bottle, and shake well before using.

It's a good idea to wear gloves, safety glasses, and a mask when cleaning up mold to avoid both eye irritation from accidental splashback and absorbing mold spores into your body.

For a ready-made blend shown to be effective against mold, take a look at Thieves Essential Oil from Young Living. Thieves contains clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary essential oils.

Download PDF file about using Thieves essential oil for mold.