Women and Peace

Aromatherapy uses fragrant oils to stimulate the mind and heighten the senses. And even though it’s been around for centuries, it’s becoming more and more popular today, as we become more interested in natural healing.

All the following recipes start with a “carrier” or “base” oil into which you add the essential oils listed. Examples are: sesame, avocado, olive, canola, jojoba, vitamin E, almond, and wheat germ oil.

The recipe for stress (a.k.a “tranquility”)

The following should be mixed into 5 tbsp. of carrier oil:

• 2 drops neroli
• 2 drops tangerine
• 3 drops of bergamot

The best uses for this mix: self-massage on the shiatsu points of the face (temples, sinus points, forehead, base of skull), in a spray bottle, or in a bath.

The recipe for insomnia

The following should be mixed with the carrier oil:

• 2 drops chamomile
• 2 drops lavender
• 1 drop marjoram
• 1 drop bergamot

This mix is best when dabbled on a pillow, or placed on a handkerchief underneath a pillow.

The recipe for headaches

The following should be mixed with the carrier oil:

• 3 drops lavender
• 3 drops peppermint
• 2 drops rosemary

This mix works best when massaged into the shiatsu points of the face (temples, sinus, forehead, and base of skull).

The recipe for depression

This mixture does not need to be mixed with carrier oil because it is going directly into the water in the spray bottle:

• 2 drops of lemon
• 2 drops clary sage
• 2 drops sandalwood
• 2 drops ylang-ylang (pronounced elaing, elaing)

This mix is best when used in a spray bottle.

The recipe for muscle relief

The following should be mixed with the carrier oil:

• 3 drops birch
• 2 drops cyprus
• 1 drop lemon
• 2 drops lavender

The best way to use this mixture is to self-massage directly onto the tender/sore area.