Using Steam Inhalation

G'morning my lovely blog readers! I didn't get to bed last night till 1am, I am tired this morning...but I got my trusty wake up juice and a whole lot of desire to get today's post to you, so don't fret here it comes......


Using Steam Inhalation

The faster oils evaporate, the faster you can breath in their healing properties. Combine them with steam to cleanse your skin and clear your airways

***WARNING: INHALATIONS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ASTHMA SUFFERERS***

Even without the addition of oils, steam helps to open your skin's pores, aiding the expulsion of toxins and clearing blockages caused by your body's natural oils. It also assists in breaking down mucus in the nasal passages and sinuses, clearing congestion.

Steam inhalations are especially effective for treating skin conditions such as acne and clearing phlegm and catarrh (inflammation of the nose and throat with increased production of mucus) build up in the respiratory tract.

The Best Oils To Use In Steam Inhalations

Choose oils that have strong decongestant and detoxing properties, such as:

Eucalyptus~Soothes inflammation in the respiratory tract, while it's antiviral action clears catarrh(see definition above)

Ginger~Has antiseptic, expectorant and stimulating actions

Grapefruit~Good for detox; stimulates the lymphatic system

Juniper Berry~Has detoxifying and diuretic properties

Lavender~Promotes the growth of new skin and helps to balance oil production

Lemon~Cleanses and purifies

Tea Tree~Stimulates your immune system to fight off viral infections by activating white blood cells. Also strongly antiseptic, so good for skin

Now that I have showed you what to use, lets look at preparing a steam inhalation..

1. Fill a large heatproof bowl with steaming water. If you would rather, you can use your kitchen or bathroom sink.

2. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to the steaming water. There is no need to dilute them with a base oil first as the water and steam will act as carriers.

3. Using a towel to seal in the vapors, lean over the bowl/sink. Take deep breaths continually for about 10 minutes.

If you don't have essential oils on hand...a few slices of Lemon plus some fresh or dried herbs will just fine!

Well I *hope* today's post has you runnin' to love your skin!!  Next post will be on Making Aromatherapy Compresses! Have a great day and take care of yourselves, it's your job and nobody elses!

Answer to "Tell the truth Thursday"

I remember when I was younger I was the night owl of the century...nothing could get me into slumberville...not even the sandman himself! I loved to spend all night reading my horror novels...and of course V.C Andrews!!

Then I went through a period where I was going to bed by 8pm! But I also got up at 5am. ") ..These days I am kinda caught in between an early retirer and a late retirer.(are those even words?)..I am in my bed at 8pm but I try my darndest to not fall asleep untill 11 or 12am. Most times I can make it...I watch some tele or read....

Well that's my answer to "The Red Head Riter's" question....Nighty-Nite!!

~Peace~

Using aromatherapy in bathing....

Good morning all! I am in such a great mood, I woke up this morning to a sell! I sold my stretchy Cat's Eye and Turquoise Peace Sign bracelet! I had alot of fun making that!

So today I am going to share with you all some tips on using aromatherapy in the bathroom...so grab your coffee cup and settle in.....

Using Aromatherapy In Bathing....

We all have our bathroom routines, it plays a big part in our well-being. After a long hard stressful day, there's nothing better sinking into a warm bath and soaking away the stress, and it's not just for women! Men, you can benefit just as much!

The products we use can make all the difference to these routines. Why buy store-bought products when you can make your own? Making your own aromatherapy products can be less expensive and just as effective, if not more. The main benefit of making your own products is that with a little know-how you can tailor them to suit your individual needs, whether you want to soothe a bad case of eczema or cultivate a truly glowing complexion...the benefits are endless....

Your Quick Bathroom Blends

To Treat Acne

Add 5 drops of Juniper and Tea Tree oils to a sink of steaming water to open your pores and fight your spots..(you can drape a towel over your head and around the sink making a "tent")

For Oily Skin (even oily still need moisture. If deprived, they simply overcompensate and produce more oil!)

Mix together 2 drops each of Juniper, Lemon and Mint essential oils. You can also use 2 drops of Tea Tree oil, 6 drops of Grapefruit and 2 drops of Rosemary oils.

For Dry Skin

Add 10 drops of combined Lavender, Geranium, Sandlewood, Tangerine and Orange oils to your bathwater (add Frankencense to the above mixture to soothe cracked skin.

General Aromatherapy Remedies To Improve Your Skin

In your bathwater

Add 7 to 10 drops of the oil you are using to your bath, ensure that the oils are dispersed properly by swishing the water around.

You can dissolve them first, if you wish, in vegetable oil, full-fat milk or even a small cup of your usual bubble bath.

As a foot bath

Create a soothing foot bath with a bowl of warm water and 4 to 6 drops of your chosen oil...your feet will thank you by being touchable soft!

In your shower

Squeeze a small amount of shower gel in your hand or a small cup,  add 4 to 6 drops of your chosen oils, and mix thoroughly. Use a washcloth or sponge to rub it all over your skin.

The steam of your shower will help you to inhale the aroma of your chosen oil, increasing the benefits and the steam will also open your pores and detox your skin.

Hair Remedies

In Your Shampoo

Add 25 drops of your choice of essential oil per half cup of un-perfumed base shampoo and shake well. For a quick fix, just add 2 to 3 drops to a handful of your usual shampoo.

As a Rinse To Your Hair

Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to the water you use for your final rinse to get the benefit of conditioning and tonic oils

Unwind With Scented Candles

Candles are much much more relaxing than electric lights when you're bathing; Scented with essential oils they can also be therapeutic, especially combined with your aromatherapy bath.

Make Your Own Aromatherapy Candles

Aromatherapy candles are widely available to buy, but why buy over-priced aromatherapy candles when you can make your own???

Simply light a chunky candle, once a small pool of wax has melted at the top of the candle, blow it out and add a few drops of your chosen oil. The next time you light the candle the aroma will be released as the wax melts.

Here are a few scents to try...

To cheer yourself up~Clary Sage, Jasmine, Frankencense, Geranium or Neroli

To relive stress~Lavender, Clary Sage or Rose

To soothe a headache~Rosemary, Marjoram or mint

To help you sleep~Lavender or Chamomile

To help you wake up~Bergamot or Grapefruit

Well that's today post, *hope* you learned something useful! Tomorrow I will give more detail to using a steam inhalation. Have a great day and a great bath!

~Peace~