Safe Use of Essential Oils
- Essential Oils must never be taken internally.
- Do not get essential oils in your eyes.
- Keep essential oils out of reach and sight of children and animals
- Essential oils are very concentrated and should be diluted before applying to the skin. Follow guidelines or seek advice on how they should be used.
- Take extra special care when using essential oils with children and seek qualified advice first.
- Do not apply citrus oils or Bergamot before exposure to the sun as they can increase photosensitivity.
- Essential oils do not dissolve in water, Ensure they are properly diluted or dispersed when using them in water.
- In case of oil causing an irritation to the skin do not rub with water, apply a vegetable or carrier oil to the area to absorb the oil.
- Ensure you know all about the essential oil before you start using it.
- Should an allergic reaction or skin irritation occur with any essential oil or product discontinue using it immediately.
- Essential oils should not replace proper health care, Consult your G.P for medical advice before using products especially if you are already under medical supervision, pregnant etc.
- Information provided on this website should not be considered to be complete and all inclusive.
- Please telephone for further/individual advice on products.
- Store essential oils away from direct sunlight and exposure to air, in a cool, dark, dry place and ensure bottles are kept tightly closed.
How to use Essential Oils
Massage
Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil. Add 2 drops of oil per 5 ml teaspoon of vegetable oil, this amount should be halved for children, elderly, convalsecent and pregnant or nursing women.
Avoid using citrus oils on the skin before exposure to the sun
Avoid spice oils on the skin as they may cause irritation, they are best used in a burner.
If you have sensitive skin, patch test oils on the middle of your chest - put one drop of oil in a teaspoon of vegetable oil apply to small patch of skin and leave for 24 hours. If you experience any reaction remove oil immediately.
Bath
Add up to 6 drops* to a warm not too hot bath that has already been run and ensure oil is well dispersed in the bath before getting in (swish water in bath around thoroughly).
When using with children, oils should always be added to a carrier oil or full fat milk before being added to the bath.
*The following oils should only be used up to the maximum number of drops stated;
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Lemon or Lemongrass a maximum of 3 drops only
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Orange a maximum of 4 drops only
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Peppermint a maximum of 3 drops only.
Vapourisation
Add up to 6 drops of oil to an aromatherapy oil burner, one of the safest and easiest ways to use essential oils. If the room is small and warm use only 1-3 drops.
If you want to fragrance the whole house use 6-9 drops but leave all the doors and windows open.
Add up to 6 drops to a piece of cotton wool and put it behind a warm radiator. This is very effective for preventing the spread of winter ailments, use tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus(2 drops of each)
Add 1- 3 drops of oil to a radiator magnet or light bulb ring.
Use a specially designed diffuser as per the instructions provided.
Guidance for Oils to Use:
Night time oils to make you relaxed and sleepy - Lavender, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Wood oils eg Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.
Daytime oils to make you feel alert, invigorated, happy and uplifted - Citrus Oils, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Pine.
Inhalation:
Add 2-3 drops to hot water (not boiling) and breathe in the vapour slowly - this is particularly effective for the treatment of colds and coughs. The heat makes the oil evaporate quickly so don't be tempted to add more drops as this could make you cough. Ensure you keep your eyes closed. Caution - this method should not be used by asthma sufferers.
From a Tissue:
Add 1-3 drops to a piece of kitchen roll and take 3 deep breaths. The tissue can then be placed in your shirt or under your pillow and the heat from your body will gently evaporate the oils.
Lavender, Marjoram or Clary Sage will help you sleep
Eucalyptus will help relieve a cold.
Tea Tree will help prevent you from catching colds or other germs that are around in the atmosphere.
Compress
A hot or cold compress can be used: hot for period pains, dull aches - Cold for sprains.
Add your chosen essential oil to the water, 2 drops for a finger compress and up to 6 drops for an abdominal pain and stir well. Lower centre of the compress into the water so that only the area that needs treatment will be in contact with the oils. Leave compress in place for at least an hour. You may need to add more hot water if it becomes too cool but do not add any more oil.
Lavender, Chamomile and Marjoram are good pain relieving oils.
Precautions
Pregnancy - do not use oils during the first 4 months then only use at half strength. The following oils should be avoided throughout pregnancy - Basil, Cedarwood, Citronella, Clary Sage, Fennel, Hyssop, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme.
Epilepsy/High Blood Pressure/Heart Conditions - Avoid Camphor, Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary and Thyme.
Do not apply the following oils to the skin before exposure to the sun - Lemon, Lemongrass, Orange, Citronella, Mandarin.
Store oils away from homeopathic medecines
Only Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils can be applied neat to the skin.
Use milk or vegetable oil to clean up oils, and if you accidentally get oils in your eyes wash out well with vegetable oil to absorb the essential oil.
Avoid using essential oils near chemotherapy treatments as the smell will become associated with nausea.
Always remember when using essential oils that less is more they are very powerful so don't be tempted to add extra drops.
Oils with carcinogenic potential - Avoid
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Camphor, Basil, Tarragon, Cade, Sassafras, Snakeroot.
Other oils best avoided - Fennel, Nutmeg, Mace, Cinnamon, Ho Leaf, Star Anise.
Oils to avoid with cancer of the prostate as they interfere with blood clotting - Clove, Bay, Garlic.
Pregnancy fact sheet
Some common discomforts
- Backache – use Tranquility’s massage blend of Lavender, Mandarin & Chamomile as this is relaxing, will relieve muscle pain and will help you to sleep.
- Sleeplessness –use 3 drops of any of the following Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Mandarin in a warm bath before bed or in a room burner.
- Stretch Marks - use Tranquility massage blend of Lavender, Mandarin & Chamomile, as early as possible use twice daily on your bump and breast area.
- Heart Burn / Indigestion – add 2 drops each of sandalwood and mandarin in 10 ml of vegetable oil and massage into area between breast & your bump.
- Morning sickness – put 1-2 drops of peppermint or ginger onto a tissue & sniff. The following homoeopathic remedies are useful:
- nux vom ~ if worst in the morning, feel better in the evening, retching in spasms,
- Pulsatilla ~ feel worst in evening, crave sweet foods, feel very tearful.
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The following can help you prepare for the birth, to relieve pain during labour, to keep you calm & in control. Also after the birth aromatherapy can aid healing, prevent postnataldepression.
Before the birth
- Wheatgerm use to massage the perineum area (between the vagina and anus); this can soften the area which can prevent tearing or the need for stitches.
- Clary sage 3 drops either added to a bath, used in a room burner or added to 20 ml of vegetable carrier oil for a massage or simply sniff the bottle. This is a very strong relaxant. Only use 2 weeks before the birth.
- Raspberry leaf tea / or tablets use 4 weeks before the baby is due is to strengthen the uterus & help with milk production.
- Ferrum phos a homeopathic iron remedy so this also boosts iron levels, I needed this as my iron was low at 26 weeks as I am vegetarian. The benefit of iron is energy levels & tiredness is improved.
- Take homeopathic remedy Caulophyllum 30c every morning & evening; this helps to prepare the uterus, also aids the timely arrival of your baby.
During labour
During labor and 2 weeks before the baby is due, the following can be used
- Clary sage is excellent for pain relief, and the more relaxed you are the better your labour progresses it can be used in any of the following ways, 3 drops either added to a bath, used in a room burner or added to 20 ml of vegetable carrier oil for a massage. Add 3 drops to a hanky & inhale with each contraction, some women have used this instead of gas & air.
- Rescue remedy add 20-25 drops to a tumbler of water and sip this during labour. It is excellent at stressful times to calm you down; your partner should be also encouraged to drink it.
- Arnica [homoeopathic remedy] will aid healing if taken after the birth & help you to recover internally from bruising or tearing. Take 2 tablets every 2 hours. This can be done 6 times a day for as long as 2 weeks.
Other good oils for pre and post labour, use in a burner or diffuser
· Lavender - relaxing & antiseptic
· Bergamot- anti-depressant, relaxing but at same time it uplifts you
· Geranium - uplifting
· Lemon- refreshing & good if you are tried after along labour
After the birth
Aid healing
Lavender & cypress can be added to the bath in order to relieve soreness & promote healing, 3 drops of each.
If you have a section in order to heal your scar, once the stitches have been removed use skin repair cream. This cream contains essential oils to stop itching from scar & promote healing & prevent scarring.
Calendula cream will help to heal & sooth sore or cracked nipples, can also be used on your baby to heal nappy rash
Prevent postnatal depression
Bergamot, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, mandarin, & rose any 3 of these oils can be used together or use individually. Use up to 6 drops (2 of each if using 3 oils) in the bath or in a burner. Or 9 drops in 20 ml of vegetable oil for a massage.
Oils to avoid in pregnancy;
Clary Sage & Jasmin (safe 2 weeks before delivery),
Basil, Cedarwood, Clove, Cinnamon, Fennel, Hyssop, Juniper, Melissa, Myrrh, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.
Checklist for birth
Rescue remedy use in a beaker of water to keep you calm £3.55
Clary sage essential oil use during labour for pain relief £4.50
Lavender oil to use in bath after the bath to aid healing £3.10
Arnica homeopathic tablets take after the birth to aid internal healing £3.55
Mum & baby massage oil use to prevent stretch marks & then massage your baby to ease teething pains, colic & promote sleep £3.50
Caulophyllum 30c this helps to prepare the uterus, also aids the timely arrival of your baby. £3.55
Hormone lotion to prevent stretch marks £3.95
Skin repair to use to prevent scarring from a section £3.95
Case study Lara’s birth
This was a planned home birth, I was desperate that this time it would be at home, so I put a lot of effort into preparing my body to be as ready & healthy as possible.
- I drank 30ml of aloe vera every day this provided me with lots of vitamins & minerals, boosts the immune system and maintains energy levels
- I took iron tablets, vitamin B & zinc these were to help prevent pre- eclasima
- Also ferrum phos a homeopathic iron remedy so this also boosts iron levels, I needed this as my iron was low at 26 weeks as I am vegetarian. The benefit of iron is energy levels & tirness is improved.
- I massage every day with hormone lotion containing rose, rosewood & geranium. This is wonderful as I did not get one stretch mark even through I was bigger this time around.
- Used wheatgerm oil to massage the perium to prevent tears.
Steps to take to ensure your babies arrival on time
I needed Lara to arrive early or on time as I could only take a limited amount of time off from Tranquility.
Only start these at 37weeks.
- Bath every night in clary sage 6 drops
- Massage the following into your abdomen & tops of legs every morning & evening; almond oil 20ml calendula oil 10ml, 6 drops of clary sage, 3 drops of jasmine & 5 drops of rose.
- Eat fresh pineapples {must be fresh not caned} the enzymes are meant to bring on labour.
- The usual advice eat spicy food, sex.
- Take homeopathic remedy Caulophyllum 30c every morning & evening.
- Kept moderately active i.e. walking this helps the position of baby & your health.
I did all the above, Lara came on time on her dads 40th birthday.
Lara’s birth
I woke at 2am and told my husband things were happening, so I read a book, he went back to sleep. At 4am the contractions were more painful so I woke Nick up to put the Tens machine on, I carried on reading and he went back to sleep. By 7am the contractions were stronger & more painful so the Tens machine was on quite high by now, I decided to time the contractions they were about 4 minutes apart so I phoned the midwife. I took some arnica homeopathic remedy to help the labour also to aid healing & lesson blood loss afterwards I took this 2 more times during labour.
At 8am I was 4cm dilated, I decided, as the contractions were more painful a bath with 6 drops of clary sage would help. The bath really helped with the pain; also it was very relaxing & calming. After the bath I took some rescue remedy 25 drops in a glass of water, which I sipped. I pottered about the house tiding up, when I had contraction I just sniffed clary sage, if I sat down the contractions were a lot more painful. The more mobile you keep the better you progress & it’s definitely less painful than sitting down.
My labour was classed as started at 10.30 it did not get very painful till 1.00, by 12.30 I was 6cm, the midwife suggested breaking my waters I tried using gas but found clary sage better, so I carried on sniffing that by 1.30 it was time to push, this took 35minutes as I could find the right position. Lara was perfect weighing 7lb 4oz. I did not need any stitches. Afterwards I was a bit shaky so I went to bed to feed Lara.
The birth was wonderful in our lounge, I felt very calm in control and it went exactly how I wanted it to. Her dad had the best birthday present, and that evening there was a wonderful double rainbow. My husband Nick who had worried about the mess and how safe it was going to be enjoyed the whole experience.
I had a bath with 3 drops of lavender & cypress oils in; this aids healing, and is an antiseptic, which is also very calming. I took another dose of arnica, which I did every day for the next 2 weeks to lessen blood loss. Try to have a bath every day for the first couple of weeks.
I saw Elspeth who is qualified homoeopath, also a practising midwife during my pregnancy, contact her on 07976 891393.
Also if you suffer with backache or other aches contact Sue Weller on 01785616010. She really helped me as I do quite a lot of heavy lifting; I managed to work up til 2 weeks before having Lara.
Here the story of the birth of my son Callum, who’s now six.
My birth plan was for a home birth, I hate hospitals and wanted a natural birth, but, my waters broke and nothing else happened so due to risk of infection I had to be induced. At this point I was scared and crying no longer in control of the birth I had planned so long for. This wasn’t good for an easy progression through labour. So this is how I tried to get back in control.
I had already started taking raspberry leaf tablets 4 weeks earlier and had been using wheatgerm to massage my perineum. So on the day of the inducement I:
- Put 25 drops of rescue remedy into a beaker of water & sipped it regularly.
- Used homeopathic remedies
- Inhaled clary sage
- Used lavender in the bath immediately afterwards
- Took arnica homeopathic tablets regularly
My son was well & so was I. I’d had a 2 hour labour just using gas & air and a tens machine, with no stitches.
The important facts here are although it wasn’t the labour I’d planned, I still felt relaxed and in control, with my bag of natural remedies.
Disclaimer
All information, content and product description is provided for reference purposes only. No claim is made as to the accuracy of these statements nor is the information provided to be considered to be all inclusive. Information, content, products and product descriptions are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice given by a doctor, pharmacist or other health professional. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis. Contact a qualified health professional if you require medical attention or advice.
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