clearlyessentials.com

In a blog I wrote last year called “Handling & Storing of Essential Oils”, I touched lightly on safety precautions to be followed when using essential oils.  Now I would like to give you some guidelines to keep in mind during pregnancy.

Firstly, do not use essential oils during the first trimester of your pregnancy.  Massage blends should contain half the number of drops of essential oils compared to a normal blend. If you have a history of miscarriages, it is strongly recommended to avoid most essential oils.  Also try to avoid essential oils that have a very strong odour and purifying effect like rosemary, sage, yarrow, myrrh, laurel leaf, fennel, juniper berry, sweet basil, tulsi, damiana, angelica root, lovage root, jasmine absolute and agnus castus.

Here is a list of essential oils that can be used in low dosage after the first trimester; geranium, ylang ylang, petitgrain, patchouli, chamomile, lavender, mandarin, grapefruit, bergamot, lemon, ginger, pine, peppermint and orange.

A pregnant woman’s sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy.  Gentle aromatherapy can be comforting and promote a sense of well-being.  A massage on the lower back can give you some pain relief and comfort.   Another common complaint is tired and swollen legs and ankles so a firm pressure leg massage can relieve some of that discomfort.

Clearly Essential’s website contains detailed information on each essential oil we supply.  Please make sure you read the safety precautions section first before placing an order.

Welcome to 2010!  It is hard to believe that another year has gone by, but with a new year comes new challenges and expectations.

January is a month where we come down from our hectic holiday schedule, try to pay off our over extended credit cards and feel a little anxious about our jobs.

A little bit of anxiety is normal but when it becomes excessive and prolonged, it can affect you physically as well.  Some of the physical symptoms are tight muscles, migraine, allergies, insomnia and digestive problems.

Aromatherapy is an alternative to medicine that can help you relieve some of that anxiety you are feeling.  Essential oils have a way of influencing our moods and help you regain that positive and energized feeling again.  The best remedy is to have a regular full body massage, or focus your massage directly to where the muscles are most tense like your neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen and feet.  A relaxing bath with the right combination of calming essential oils at night will relax your body and promote sleep as well.  Also diffusing calming essential oils throughout the house or your office can be uplifting.

Here are a few blend combinations to consider;

Massage:

Calming – chamomile (5 drops), bergamot (5 drops), lavender (5 drops), carrier oil (1 tbsp)                     

Uplifting – rosewood (5 drops), geranium (4 drops), patchouli (4 drops), clove (2 drops), carrier oil (1 tbsp)                          

Muscle Relaxant – geranium (10 drops), ginger (10 drops), cedarwood (5 drops), juniper berry (5 drops), carrier oil (2 tbsp)

Bath:

Calming – petitgrain (5 drops), ylang ylang (5 drops), orange (5 drops), carrier oil (1 tsp)                        

Uplifting – bergamot (5 drops), rosemary (5 drops), benzion (5 drops), carrier oil (1 tsp)                          

Muscle Relaxant – cedarwood (4 drops), chamomile (4 drops), lavender (4 drops), lemongrass (3 drops), carrier oil (1 tsp)

Diffuser –   choose from the following:

Uplifting – eucalyptus, lemon, lime, peppermint or pine.

Calming – chamomile, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, mandarin, orange and petitgrain.

Please check out our website for our list of essential oils and carrier oils that we supply.