Compresses an Effective Way to Use Essential Oils

Did you know compresses are a very effective way to use essential oils?

Typically made from gauze or a similar soft material, a compress can be applied with pressure to specific parts of the body to help control hemorrhage, help relieve pain-related symptoms, or support the body's natural defenses against infection. For example, cold compresses are traditionally used with sprains, localized swelling, blisters, insect bites, stings, bruises, and headaches; hot compresses are traditionally used with abscesses, boils, cystitis, and dysmenorrhea.

A simple method for using essential oils with compresses is to:

• Add 6 drops of essential oil to 9 oz of water. (Use ice water for cold compresses and boiling water for hot ones.) First pour the water into a bowl, and then add the oil.
• Saturate a clean piece of unbleached muslin (or similar cloth, such as clean cotton) in the mixture, wring out, and apply.

For use with a cold compress, here are some example essential oils you may want to investigate further:

• With sprains: Peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, pine, rose, and rosemary
• With bruises: Eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, lavender, and peppermint
• With localized swelling: Ginger, rose, and rosemary

For use with hot compresses, here are some example essential oils you may want to investigate further:

• With abscesses and boils: Bergamot, eucalyptus, rose, manuka, and tea tree Australia
• With menstrual pain: Chamomile, clary sage, lavender, peppermint, rose, and rosemary

For more information about using essential oils with compresses, download our free ACHS holistic health Wellness Guide HERE. In the guide, you'll also find several pages of information about using aromatherapy essential oils in the home and as a tool to support optimal health and wellness.

* This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, heal, or prescribe. A primary care physician, naturopathic physician, or Registered Aromatherapist should be consulted before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.

Practical Aromatherapy: Using Aromatherapy to Help Attract Home Buyers

Experts say selling your home takes a little luck and a lot of preparation. With a gaggle of homes currently on the market, spending that extra time to make the best first impression may make all the difference. It certainly couldn’t hurt!

To prepare your home, realtors suggest taking several steps to present an organized, clutter-free and clean home, including cleaning out your drawers and cabinets, making minor repairs, and deep cleaning.

Part of deep cleaning is scent. For example, it’s important to clean out drains so they look nice, but also because hidden debris can encourage mold and an accompanying musty smell. A little tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil diluted in water can be an effective, chemical-free alternative to more traditional cleaning products. Plus, it smells better than synthetic cleaners and room sprays used to mask odors.

You may also want to diffuse some essential oil into the air before you show your home. This can help to freshen the air and to encourage a positive first impression. There are many essential oils to choose from, but you may want to select an oil that has general appeal, that is a familiar, and that is uplifting, such as bergamot (Citrus aurantium var. bergamia), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), mandarin (Citrus reticulata), neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), and ylang ylang (Cananga odorata).

Watch Aromatherapy Blending from ACHStv next!