NaturalMedications

The first recomendation would be to educate yourself. Put yourself in the hands of someone knowledgeable in the field, either locally, if possible, or if not, through the library and the Internet. Read everything you can about the oils and their effects, and don't be afraid to experiment.

To start with, many of us first tried Lavender. It is one of the few oils that can be used full strength on the skin without harmful effects, and is a virtual 'first aid' cabinet in and of itself. A touch of lavender essential oil on the temples and back of the neck can ease a headache. A drop of full strength (neat) lavender can soothe and help heal a minor burn.

It is a potent antiseptic, and a antibacterial, antifungal and anti-viral agent. It's also one of the less expensive oils. If you have a local source for true essential oils, use it. Or order from me, or another online vendor. Check the Latin Name. You want either LAVENDER VERA or LAVENDER AUGUSTIFOLIUM, or OFFICINALIS. There are other varieties of oils, similar to true lavender, that are sometimes sold as Lavender. They have different effects and won't be as effective. (It's a good idea to always check the latin name of any oil you buy.)

Now that you have your lavender, what to do with it, other than for the " first aid " purposes listed above. Lavender is lovely in the bath. As with most essentials, 6 to 10 drops is enough. Rather than adding the oil directly to the bathwater (because essentials don't blend with water) try diluting the lavender in a tablespoon or so of honey, a teaspoon of unscented bath oil, or for a Cleopatra luxury bath, some cream.

Or you can make your own bath salts by mixing epsom salts, sea salt or table salt, and/or powdered milk, and adding a lavish amount of lavender. Bottle these and let them stand for a week or ten days.

A lavender bath will relax tired muscles and a tired mind. It's a wonderful way to relax before bedtime.

Ten to fifteen drops of lavender mixed into a tablespoon of your favourite carrier oil makes a wonderfully relaxing massage oil.

To induce restful sleep, put a drop or two of lavender on a cotton ball and tuck it into the corner of your pillow case. Or perfume a room by adding a few drops of lavender to either a lamp-ring or aromatherapy lamp. You can even add a few drops of essential oils to the melted wax in a burning candle. (Be very careful doing this, the oils are extremely flamable.)

If you are pleased with the results of the lavender, then experiment with some other oils, either alone, or in combination. Other good beginner oils are Orange or Mandarine, Geranium, Sandalwood, Rosemary, Cypress and Eucalyptus. None are extremely expensive, and all are very useful.

Your nose is really your best guide to which oils will work best for you. I'm firmly convinced that we are drawn to the oils that our bodies need, either mentally/emotionally or physically. Trust your nose, but educate yourself on the safe and effective uses of the oils you select.