AROMATHERAPY TECHNIQUES

Using Compresses, Gargles And Drinks

Further effective ways of carrying essential oils into the body, using water as the carrier, are with compresses, gargles and mouthwashes and drinks. For the latter, it is important that the essential oils used, and the number of drops, are exactly as recommended.

Compresses
A compress brings effective relief in cases such as insect bites, arthritic joints, period or stomach pain, headache, sprains and varicose veins. Use a cold compress if there is inflammation and/or heat, and a warm compress if there is pain or a dull ache.

To make the compress, you need a piece of clean material and a container of water. Soft cotton or linen are the best materials to use.





























Adding a few drops of an antibacterial oil to a glass of water makes an effective gargle mix.

The container should be big enough to hold just enough water to soak into the compress: for example, an egg cup will be big enough for a finger compress, and a small bowl is suitable for an abdomen compress. Add your chosen essential oils to the water: 2 drops of oil is enough for a finger compress, and up to 8 drops of oil is enough for large body compresses.

Stir the water in the container to disperse the essential oils, then gently lower the compress material on top to allow it to absorb the oils. When the material is wet, squeeze it lightly, position it on the area to be treated, and cover with cling film (plastic wrap) to hold it firmly in place.

For a cold compress, place a sealed, plastic bag of frozen vegetables or crushed ice cubes over the treatment area and hold in place. For a warm compress, wrap a strip of material such as a scarf, thermal garment or a small towel around the cling film.

To keep a compress in place on an arm or leg, an old sock or pair of thighs is ideal. Leave the compress in place for at least an hour, or overnight for a septic wound.

Gargles And Mouthwashes
For sore throats, voice loss and colds which may go on the chest, gargling with one or more essential oils can be very helpful. Put 2-3 drops of antibacterial essential oils into a glass and half-fill water. S drop of a soothing oil can also be added. Stir well, take a mouthful, gargle and spit out. Stir again and repeat. It is important to stir the mixture before each mouthful so as to redisperse the oils. Gargling should be done twice a day for best results.

The procedure for mouthwashes is the same as for gargling, except that the liquid is swished around inside the mouth (rather than at the back of the throat) for 30 seconds before spitting out.





















When using a mouthwash, make sure the oils are well stirred in the water before each sip.



Safety

• For children and the elderly the essential oil quantities should be halved.

Drinks
To use essential oils in drinks, the oils must be organic and mixed in a suitable carrier.


You are advised first to consult a qualified aromatologist or an aromatherapist working alongside a medical doctor. If you wish to sue essential oils in water or tea at home without taking professional advice, it is imperative that the essential oils, and the dosage and time scales and recommended in this post are strictly adhered to.

Water
Drinking plenty of water is good for us. If you are not fond of water as a drink, put 2 drops of an essential oil such as lemon or orange into 1 litre (11/4 pints) of water in a bottle and shake well. For a healthy digestive system, use 1 drop each of peppermint and fennel oil and mix as before. Shake the bottle before drinking. In conjunction with healthy eating habits, 1 drop each of grapefruit and/or cypress, used as before, can help weight loss as part of a slimming and exercise programme.


Teas
Only aromatologists are able to prescribe essential oils for internal, medicinal use. Tea is not a medicine, however, but a pleasant drink. If the tea tastes too strong when the oils are added, dilute it with more water.

Teas made with essential oils can be a pleasant way of enjoying the healing properties of plants.

Tannin-free china tea or rooibos (red bush) tea make the best bases. Put 2-3 drops of essential oil on to the tea leaves or tea bag, add 1 litre (11/4 pints) of hot water, stir well, then remove the tea leaves or bag. The tea will taste better without milk. Never pour essential oil directly into tea: it will be too strong, and the oils will not disperse. Any tea not drunk immediately can be stored in the fridge and reheated as necessary.

For digestive disorders, a cup of tea drunk two or three times a day is a very gentle and effective remedy. Common urinary tract problems, such as cystitis, respond well, as do insomnia and pain from arthritic joints.




Organic plants are grown without the use of chemicals. When taking oils internally, it is important to use only those of therapeutic an certified organic quality.

Safety

• Use only organic essential oils of therapeutic quality for adding to drinks.
• Absolutes or resins should never be ingested.
• These methods should not be used on children, but are suitable for the elderly.
• Never put essential oils directly into a cup of tea or glass of water. Otherwise, the drink will taste far too strong and will be very unpleasant. The oils should be used only by the methods stated.