AROMATHERAPY IN THE HOME

Aromatherapy is well known for candles and bath products. Most are not aware there are many other household, therapeutic and clinical uses for essential oils. Aromatherapy history dates as far back as 1600 B.C., so you can imagine there is so much more to be said. Today though, we are speaking of the uses of essential oils in the home. Most households carry an average of $100- $300 in cleaning products, plus an added $200 in supplies in the family medicine cabinet. Yet for a mere $40 to $60 most of these products could be replaced in a more conservative, and effective manner with only 6 bottles of essential oils. Essential oils have many beneficial qualities other than fragrance. Most essential oils {E.O.s) are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Tea tree are the most well known of these. For example a drop or two of lemon E.O. undiluted on a cut will stop bleeding, disinfect the wound and prevent scarring. Now a 5-ml. bottle can be bought for around five dollars and will likely last a year or two, much cheaper than a box of band-aids. Lemon E.O. can also be used to disinfect the fridge, or dishwasher by placing 2 drops in the detergent dispenser. Similarly drop or two of Myrrh E.O. on a thorn or sliver will dislodge the object, and again assist in healing. The three wise men were very wise indeed! Best all knowing essential oils are truly natural gives greater piece of mind.

My favourite household blend for the holiday season, which prevents nasty airborne germs, the moulds from damp weather, and simply lightens the spirits, is our Orange Spice Blend. T o make this blend at home you just mix 40 drops of Blood Orange E.O., 5 drops of West Indian Bay E.O., and 15 drops of Benzoin E.O. in a 5ml. glass bottle. (Be sure to label your blend so you know later what is in the bottle.) To use just add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, or add to a bowl of potpourri.

Next time you're in the park why not collect a big bag of pinecones. A cold wet afternoon could be lightened up just adding the cones to a plastic bag and adding 4-6 drops of Cedar wood, Fir, or Pine essential oil, then let the bag sit for a few days. Using gold thread to string the pinecones and use as Christmas ornaments on the tree, while you disinfect and fill the room with the scent of fresh trees, or, alternatively, one could use the Orange spice blend above.

Essential oils are a delightful way of caring for your family and household needs. One should always use essential oils with caution and respect for the potency; there are cases when one should not use certain essential oils. If you are pregnant, have high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, or children under five. One should always consult a qualified practitioner before using essential oils.

Julie Blacker is President & founder of ANS Aromatherapy Wellness Studio. She may be reached at 604-716-7499