#BTExperts 5 Essential Oils That Will Take You From Sickness To Good Health

From spritzing fragrant lavender on our pillowcases for a good night's sleep to inhaling the heady fumes of rose oil in the diffuser, essential oils have become a part of our deliciously scented lives.

However, did you know that you can also use these oils to rid your common illnesses?

'Aromatherapy is an ancient art, the use of pure essential oils sensitively harvested, extracted and correctly applied and used have been proven scientifically to have a marked therapeutic effect on the mind, body and spirit. Enjoy being balanced,” says Colin G Hall, resident aromatherapist at Paro by Goodearth.

However, you must follow the correct way to use these miraculous, scented goodies. As Colin says, 'When Essential oils are used correctly, they will assist in bringing balance to our minds, bodies and souls, when misused they can have the opposite effect. At all times adhere to the instruction of use and dilutions. For your safety work on the principle that essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin. For trained practitioners, there are exceptions, however, for beginners just stick to the rule, do not apply directly to the skin, always dilute.'

Here is his pick of five essential oils that are effective and easily available here in India, at reputed wellness shops, that can help cover a number of health imbalances such as headaches, digestive, physical and mental fatigue, sore throat, acne and breakouts, coughs, aches and pains, blocked sinuses, stress, insomnia, anxiety and breathing difficulties.

Cardamom (Cardamomum electtaria)

Cardamom is a versatile oil which can assist to bring balance to the digestive and respiratory systems bringing relief from flatulence and an unsettled stomach, coughs colds and sore throats.

How to use: for respiratory imbalances add two drops of Cardamom oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.

To use as an uplifting and respiratory tonic use in a body massage or a pre/ post-shower treatment. Blend 5 drops of Fir Needle, 5 drops of Cardamom, 20 drops of Lavender and 10 drops of Bergamot FCF, into 100ml of Jojoba seed oil, massage into damp skin and let the synergistic blend work its magic.

For local application to relieve digestive imbalances rather than a full body massage, use a blend of 4 drops of Cardamom in 10 ml of Jojoba or almond oil. Apply to the abdomen and kidneys areas.

As a throat rub use one drop of Cardamom and one drop of Fir Needle essential oil in 10 ml of almond oil and apply to the throat area in upward strokes, avoid rubbing the eyes.

Buy a pre-prepared Cardamom tea and enjoy a cup or two during the day to ease digestive imbalances.

Caution: Never exceed above dosages and never take essential oils internally by mouth.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Geranium is the essential oil which will bring about balance to mood and hormones, at the same time assisting to bring equilibrium to the facial skin; it suits all skin types -  from oily to dry, from dry to combination from combination to skin experiencing break-outs.

How to use: As a facial oil to nourish or heal the skin, add one drop of Geranium and one drop of Lavender to 10 ml of Jojoba seed oil and apply to a wet face in the morning and at night using upward strokes. As a mood enhancer blend 20 drops of Geranium, 10 drops of Fir Needle and  10 drops of Bergamot FCF into 100 ml of Jojoba or Almond oil and use over the entire body in a massage, pre or post-shower. Note: do not use the body blend on the face as it is too strong for the sensitive facial skin.

Place three to four drops of Geranium into an aroma diffuser which will then fill the room with essential oil molecules which will be inhaled assisting in lifting mood as well as balance hormones. Alternatively use two drops of Bergamot FCF and two of Geranium for an extra special fragrance.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender essential oilis the Jack of all trades. Like a first aid in a bottle, this is the oil that does a lot – it is great for burns, is anti-microbial, sedative, aids sleep, headaches and migraines, anxiety, pain and is anti-inflammatory

How to safely use: For a sleep and anxiety remedy, I suggest diffusing three to four drops in an aroma diffuser in the bedroom one hour prior to retiring to bed. Lavender essential oil molecules will permeate the air and be inhaled as you undress and prepare for sleep, reaching the bloodstream and working its magic to bring calm and serenity to your being. Additionally, you could blend two drops of Lavender and two of Bergamot FCF as an alternative.

For an anti-acne treatment - blend two drops of lavender into 10 ml of Jojoba seed oil and apply to the affected areas morning and night.

As a relaxing body massage or pre and post-shower treatment -  blend 40 drops of Lavender into 100 ml of Jojoba seed oil, massage into the skin and let lavender work its magic.

The simplest way to feel the effects of Lavender is to place two to three drops on your pillow at night or on a handkerchief to be carried throughout the day to assist in bringing calm in stressful situations.

Bergamot FCF (Citrus bergamia)

Bergamot FCF is a great mood enhancer, sedative and antiseptic. Great to alleviate insomnia and nervous anxiety, lifting depressive moods by evoking joy due to Bergamots citrusy bouquet, giving a fresh perspective on life.

How to safely use: For a sleep, anxiety and depression remedy, I suggest diffusing two drops of Bergamot FCF and two of Lavender to an aroma diffuser in the bedroom one hour prior to retiring to bed, or in the living room during the day, the essential oil molecules will permeate the air and be inhaled as you undress and prepare for sleep or during the day as you go about your daily chores, reaching the bloodstream and working their magic bringing calm and serenity to your being.

If prefer Bergamots citrusy aroma by itself add 2 to 3 drops to your diffuser in the same way described above.

As a relaxing body massage or pre and post-shower treatment, blend 10 drops of Bergamot FCF, 10 drops of Geranium and 20 of Lavender into 100 ml of Jojoba seed oil, massage into the skin and let the synergistic blend work its magic.

Caution: It is essential you buy and use on the skin only Bergamot FCF, which simply means it is furanocoumarins free. Furanocoumarins can cause discolouration of the skin if exposed to the sun. If you just wish to use in the diffuser any Bergamot would do the trick, however, to be on the safe side use only Bergamot FCF to avoid any confusion.

Fir Needle (Abies alba)

Fir Needle not only smells divine, it evokes memories of trees, gardens and forests a time when we used to breath fresh fragrant air which immediately brings a sense of cleanliness and happiness to the cluttered stressed mind also great to lift depression assist to relieve sore muscles, blocked sinuses, wet coughs, basically, but it is also a powerful expectorant recommended for respiratory infections and is known to assist in reducing the unpleasant effects of body aches and pains.

How to use: for respiratory imbalances add one to two drops only of Fir Needle essential oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapours.

As a therapeutic body massage or pre and post-shower treatment, blend 10 drops of Fir Needle, 5 drops of Cardamom and 25 drops of Lavender into 100 ml of Jojoba seed oil, massage into the skin and let the synergistic blend work its magic.

For localised pain such as neck, knee or backache, blend 4 drops of Fir Needle into 10 ml of Almond oil and apply warm to the affected areas, post-application cover with a towel and then warm the area by using a hot water bottle over the towel.

The simplest way to feel the effects of Fir Needle is to place one to two drops on your pillow at night or two drops on a handkerchief to be carried throughout the day to assist in bringing relief to respiratory stress.

Caution: Never take any essential oil internally, do not use on children under 16 or persons with asthma.