How to Use Aromatherapy Microwavable Booties
Aromatherapy microwavable booties are becoming the latest trend when it comes to finding a way to relax and unwind. Designed with soothing and relaxation in mind, aromatherapy microwavable booties may look a little strange, but you’ll find your stress leaving as the heat and scent do their work.
To enjoy these products, simply microwave for 30 seconds to 60 seconds, depending on the instructions, then slip onto your feet. If you suffer from dry feet, consider rubbing some lotion in before placing your feet into the aromatherapy microwavable booties.
If you have a preference for moist heat, over dry, simply lightly spray the aromatherapy microwavable booties with water before placing into the microwave. This has an added advantage of helping to preserving the freshness of any herbs used in the booties.
It is important not to overheat the product. This can result in the fabric burning, burns to the skin and will destroy any of the herbal contents contained in the booties. The smell of burnt fabric and herbs is definitely not relaxing!
An added advantage to the aromatherapy microwavable booties is that they can double as an ice pack. Simply place into a plastic bag and then put into the freezer for 1 – 2 hours. Once removed from the freezer, the aromatherapy microwavable booties will remain cold for up to 45 minutes. Storing your aromatherapy microwavable booties in the fridge or freezer will also extend the life of the scents used in the booties.
If aromatherapy microwavable booties interest you, but you want a set that are tailor made, consider making your very own pair. Simply create a slightly larger bootie than required out of your desired material (polar fleece or flannel is a good choice), and then make a second, slightly smaller bootie insert.
Begin by filling the larger bootie with your desired wheat, grain or rice (to which you have added herbs or essential oils), before inserting the smaller one. Continue to fill with the desired filling, leaving a 2 – 3cm gap so that you can sew the material closed. Repeat the process, and you have your own tailor made aromatherapy products.
Remember that aromatherapy microwavable booties aren’t generally made to be walked in. The grains and herbs contained inside will be crushed if weight is placed on them, making them far less effective. To clean your aromatherapy microwavable booties, simply sponge down with a damp cloth and leave them to dry.
By: Kathy Davidson
About the Author:
Kathy Davidson is a homemaker with over ten years experience working with aromatherapy. Visit her website for a free aromatherapy course and information about reputable supply companies. http://www.myaromatherapyclass.com
Categories: Aromatherapy Tags: Added Advantage, Freezer, Herbs
Aromatherapy In Your Bathroom – Making Sense of Scents
What comes to mind when you think of a long, relaxing soak in your tub? Odds are that you’re thinking candles and maybe some essential oils. If you’re not then it’s a good idea to introduce you to them now. Including aromatherapy in your bath routine is a great way to add extra relaxation to the whole process of bathing. Not only can aromatherapy relax you it can also just as quickly recharge your body and fill you with energy.
Bath Tub Aromatherapy
There’s a wealth of aromatherapy products that you can use in the bath tub – it’s almost overwhelming trying to choose at times. You can choose from bubble bath, pure essential oils, bath oils right down to soaps and bath salts. Then you can go about what scent you want to use. If you can’t decide which to pick and are on the verge of despair then why not try out an aromatherapy bath kit. These kits usually include several aromatherapy options, so you can decide which is your favorite.
Aromatherapy with Candles
Using aromatherapy candles is a great choice for people who want to enjoy bathroom aromatherapy, but don’t like cleaning slimy residue out of their tubs or are concerned about the effect on their plumbing from all of all that slippery oily stuff going down the drain. You can burn several candles of the same scent or choose several scents that complement each other to create your own custom scent for your bathing experience.
Aromatherapy Scents
Certain aromatherapy scents can help you relax. Others will invigorate you entirely. If you’re needing a good nights sleep then combine lavender, chamomile, vanilla or lemon scents. If you’re needing an energy boost for a busy day then use peppermint, spearmint, rosemary or clary sage to give your body that much needed boost.
When you’re going shopping for bathroom aromatherapy products bear in mind that not all of these products are created equal. Here’s some tips for when you go shopping:
* Check the ingredients on the product and make sure it actually uses essential oils and not artificial scents. Artificial scents have no therapeutic value at all.
If you are shopping for candles, make sure the ones you buy do not have lead wicks. Lead wicks are potentially dangerous when used around children.
* Look for soy candles that have the essential oils mixed the whole way through the wax. Soy candles burn much more cleanly and the scent will remain right to the last flame.
By: Niall Roche
About the Author:
Don’t you just love a long relaxing soak in your tub? Why not make it even more relaxing and refreshing by trying some bathroom aromatherapy with essential oils. Read more now: www.bathroomcentral.com
Categories: Aromatherapy Tags: Bath Oils, Bath Salts, Going Shopping
Aromatherapy and Pregnancy
Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing essential oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very easy to employ and use. In order to use essential oils safely during pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines will need be followed. Though, there are reports of side effects, the user must be cautious enough to report any adverse effects to the physician immediately.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and volatile. They must be diluted before use. A common dilution for aromatherapy blends during pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil). For an aromatherapy pregnancy bath, add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 3-6 drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation. An aromatic bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in avoiding stretch marks.
How ever, there are many essential oils that need to be avoided during pregnancy. The following list contains oils that should be avoided during pregnancy and oils that are recommended for use during pregnancy.
OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labor.
Oils to avoid during pregnancy include:
Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal
OILS RECOMMENDED DURING PREGNANCY
The following oils will be comfortable for using during pregnancy. As always, use caution if you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first. Good oils for pregnancy include:
Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine
If you are currently pregnant and have been using any of the essential oils that need to be avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong. However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife and discontinue use of the “to be avoided” essential oils.
Aromatherapy Benefits for Pregnancy
Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the essential oils recommended for use during pregnancy:
Bergamot: Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Chamomile: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and Indigestion.
Cypress (ok after 5 mos.) Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles.
Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.
Frankincense: Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming
Geranium (ok after 3 mos.) Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.
Grapefruit: Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with Water retention.
Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.
Lemon: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in Massage for varicose veins.
Mandarin: Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.
Neroli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell Regeneration and for easing nervous tension.
Patchouli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.
Petitgrain: Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.
Rosewood: Antiseptic, sedative
Sandalwood: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Tangerine: Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.
Tea Tree: Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.
Ylang Ylang: Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, lowers blood Pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.
By: Lorna Findlay
About the Author:
Find more great aromatherapy information at http://www.essentialaromatherapy.co.uk
Categories: Aromatherapy Tags: Plant Sources, Steam Inhalation, Trimesters