Compresses

(Blog 6)

Compresses are a relaxing and healing therapy for local, topical, complaints and facials.

            Warm compresses open the pores to facilitate essential oil penetration. Essential oils may be used singularly or in combination.

            Step One: In four cups of hot water, add 6 drops of essential oils. Immediately place a small clean hand towel in the solution and squeeze out the excess water into the bowel. Quickly place the cloth onto the painful area. Wrap the towel with plastic wrap, if desired, to retain the heat. Repeat the process every 15 to 20 minutes for up to 1 hour to achieve the best results.

            Warm compresses are useful with muscular cramping, joint pain, arthritis, and backaches. Menstrual pain without heavy bleeding will also be helped. Avoid hot compresses with migraines, heat flashes, swelling, sunburn, burns and fever. Also, avoid hot compresses with itchy and oozing, inflamed skin conditions.

            Detoxification and lymphatic drainage is assisted by warm compresses and stimulating essential oils. A favorite for women is a combination of essential oils to break down cellulite.

Cellulite Blend

In 4 cups of hot water, add

1 drop Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

2 drops Cypress (Cupresses sempervirens)

1 drop Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

1 drop Orange (Citrus aurantium)

Follow the directions in Step One

Sinusitis Blend

In 2 cups of hot water add:

1 drop Sage (Salvia officinales)

2 drops Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)

1 drop Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

1 drop Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Follow the directions in Step One

I Ate Too Much Stomach Ache

In 4 cups of hot water add:

2 drops of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

2 drops of Star Annise (Illicium verum)

2 drops of Orange (Citrus aurantium)

Follow the directions in Step One.

            Next we will learn how to use cold compresses.