ESSENTIAL OILS TIPS

     Essential indicates that the oil carries distinctive scent of the plant. Essential oils  are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation. Other processes include expression, or solvent extraction. Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution. Lavender and tea tree are listed by a large number of  aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted. Essential oils are  usually lipophilic (literally: "oil-loving") compounds that usually are not miscible  with water. Instead, they can be diluted in solvents like pure 100% ethanol, polyethylene glycol, or oils. 

             Today, most common essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus,  are distilled. Raw plant material, consisting of the flowers, leaves, wood, bark, roots, seeds, or peel, is put into an alembic over water. When using essential oils,  use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and  prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner. The smoke  from burning essential oils may contain potential carcinogens, such as polycyclic  aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Essential oils are naturally high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by  those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.

Essential Oils Tips

•  Essential oil can be put on radiators, scent rings, or light bulbs (avoid the
socket).
•  Don't use undiluted oils on your skin.
•  Skin test oils before using. Dilute a small amount and apply to the skin on
your inner arm.
•  Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes.
•  Add 7-10 drops of essential oil to bath water directly or blend with 1
teaspoon of vegetable.
•  Massage helps the skin to absorb essential oils.
 

•  Use lavender essential oil in a spritzer bottle to spray on sheets and blankets
at bedtime for a deeper relaxing sleep.
•  Wax candles can be bought ready-impregnated with essential oils and are a
delightful way of scenting a room. Or
•  Essential oils are extracts from different parts of the plants such as herbs,
flowers, leaves, resin, bark, fruit rinds and roots. 
•  Add 2-5 drops of an essential oil to one teaspoon of unscented lotion.
•  Add 3 drops of appropriate essential oil to 1 t. of water, mix and gargle.
•  Add 10 drops to your bath water. Agitate water in a figure 8 motion. Soak in
it for 15 minutes minimum.
•  Use a bath with just enough water to cover lower body and add 5 drops of
essential oil.
•  Avoid applying Essential Oils immediately after perspiring or using a sauna.
•  Avoid strong sunlight or tanning beds after applying essential oils. 

Coconut Zinc Wax Diaper Rash Cream

This recipe relies on zinc oxide powder as the active ingredient. Zinc oxide has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties, removing the irritants that inflame the rash. Like coconut oil, it also contains nutrients that are absorbed into the skin to stimulate healing. The texture of coconut oil ensures that the cream glides smoothly over the skin, so the baby feels better from the start. The beeswax binds the other ingredients together and creates a protective waterproof layer while the baby's skin heals naturally.

Unlike other moisturizing agents, coconut oil keeps the pores open instead of blocking them So this cream is suitable for any kind of rash and can be used repeatedly to soothe and stimulate healing.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup beeswax 

1 1/4 cups virgin coconut oil 

1  1/2 teaspoons zinc oxide powder 

1 teaspoon arrowroot

Melt beeswax and coconut oil over low heat in the top portion of a double boiler. Pour into a bowl and add dry ingredients. Combine ingredients using an electric mixer. If necessary, add a little more of the coconut oil/beeswax combination or more dry ingredients to achieve the right consistency. Store in a jar with an airtight lid. Apply small amounts to afflicted area.

Coconut and Almond Eye Balm

This soothing and refreshing balm is gentle enough to use on the delicate skin around the eyes. The addition of soybean oil will help eradicate puffiness and dark shadows under the eyes.

Equipment:
Bowl
Metal spoon
Small container with sealed lid

Ingredients:
2    tablespoons coconut oil 

1 tablespoon almond oil
1 tablespoon soy bean oil

Blend the three oils gently in a bowl until combined with a consistent texture. Store in a cool place.

To use, apply a small amount of the balm with your finger tip, stroking gently under the eye, and then closing your eye to stroke across the upper lid. You can keep the balm on for better results; alternately, you can remove it gently using a cotton ball dipped in warm water.

Avocado and Coconut Oil Hydrating Face Mask

This face mask will rejuvenate your skin, leaving you feeling fresh and invigorated. The antioxidant properties of honey will enhance coconut oil's natural healing properties. This recipe is for one instant face mask.

Equipment: 1 bowl
1    fork
Electric mixer

Ingredients:

2    tablespoons virgin coconut oil
1    tablespoon honey V2 avocado
2    thin slices cucumber (optional)

Mash the avocado with a fork until it is a fairly smooth paste. Add coconut oil and honey, and blend with mixer on a low setting until combined.

Spread the mask over your face and neck, avoiding the eyes. Place cucumber slices over your eyes to rejuvenate the delicate skin. Keep the mask on for fifteen to twenty minutes then wash off thoroughly with warm water.

Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter

Only a small amount of this luxurious all-over moisturizer will leave your skin glowing and replenished, soft, and smooth.

Equipment: Electric hand mixer or stand mixer Mixing bowl Glass jar with sealed lid

Ingredients:
1 cup solid coconut oil

 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Approximately 6 drops of essential oils of your choice

Place coconut oil and Vitamin E oil into the mixing bowl. Mix on high speed for about ten minutes, until light and fluffy. Fold in the essential oils. Spoon the body butter into a glass jar and secure the lid.

Store your body butter in a cool place and slather over your skin as required.

Skin Care with Coconut Oil

Pure virgin coconut oil is the ideal cleanser and moisturizer for your skin. Unlike commercial cleansers and moisturizers, it will not strip your skin of its natural layer of protection. As coconut oil contains a high level of fats, it is also an excellent emollient, smoothing your skin to remove fine lines and soothing itching and irritation. It can moisturize your skin so it is supple and glowing, and the nutrients in coconut oil will rejuvenate and nourish new cells while removing dead skin cells.

Coconut oil is a highly effective treatment for skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Once coconut oil has absorbed into the skin, it disrupts the natural environment for microbes that trigger such skin conditions. Coconut oil also has healing powers due to its antiseptic properties, so it speeds healing of acne, rashes, and even minor cuts and wounds.

Skin Care Recipes:
Coconut Bath Melts
This makes a great personal gift or just your own private bath-time indulgence.
Equipment: Double boiler saucepan Jug
Glass bowl

Decorative molds—a decorative ice-cube tray is ideal. If you use a normal ice cube tray, you can consider cutting each mold into two. Glass storage jar

Ingredients: 2 teaspoons of cocoa butter 2 teaspoons of coconut oil 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil

Approximately 6 drops of essential oil of your choice This amount should fill one ice cube tray or equivalent

Heat water in the lower section of the double boiler, then melt cocoa butter and coconut oil and stir together in the top section. Stir gently until they are completely combined. Add the liquid oils. Pour into the jug. Add essential oils to provide the desired scent. Fill each mold with the melted and scented oil, then place the tray in the fridge for a few hours until they are completely solid.

Store the bath melts in a glass jar in a cool cupboard. When you're ready for a soothing and refreshing bath, drop one or two bath melts into the running water.

Coconut Oil as Beauty Therapy

Coconut oil is a unique and effective all-in-one beauty tool, ideal for your skin, your hair, and even your teeth! The beauty industry is well aware of the cleansing and moisturizing properties of this versatile substance, so it is a regular ingredient in expensive lotions, soaps, and shampoos. However, commercial beauty products also include chemicals acting as preservatives and artificial fragrance— so why spend enormous amounts when you can achieve a better result for the small cost of coconut oil?

We will show you how coconut oil can replace all those little jars and bottles in your bathroom cabinet to soothe, nourish, and cleanse your whole family.