 Nature's
Way
with Alan Hayes
Essential oils to make you feel good
Taking a warm shower after a workout is one of the best things you can do. It will not only make you feel good - all those negative ions you will be inhaling is extremely beneficial - but it will also help to eliminate the lactic acid that causes your muscles to ache. However, showering with just soap and water will not provide the deep cleaning that your body requires. Using essential oils during your shower will help to eliminate waste products from your body, thus preventing sore and aching muscles.
Before taking a shower, rub your body with a clean flannel to which you have added three drops each of rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus essential oils. Rub the flannel all over yourself and then shower in the normal way.
After showering, massage your muscles with a relaxant body oil. To make your body oil, dissolve six drops of either lavender or rosemary essential oil in 20mm. Pour a little of the oil blend into the palm of your hand and massage it thoroughly into your legs and arms, using an upward, circular movement towards the heart. Finish off by massaging your stomach and shoulder muscles.
In the morning an aromatic shower is a great way to start the day. To start, rub your entire body with a little body oil, made as previously, containing stimulating essences such as tangerine or lemon essential oil. Dilute the body oil half-and-half with water, plug the shower drain and, while showering, sprinkle in more of the same aromatic oil as the water collects. Your feet will benefit from the fragrant soak, while the ascending aroma will make you feel alive and ready to take on the world.
If time permits, essential oils also make the perfect addition to a warm bath. Centuries ago baths were rarely taken to actually cleanse the body, but, in combination with various herbs, were used as a cure. Today, a bath can still be used to restore your body, as well as soothing tired muscles and refreshing the mind in the same way a good night's sleep can.
The addition of rosemary essential oil will stimulate the circulation and soften the skin, while lavender will also soften the skin as well as providing unique disinfecting properties. Chamomile oil in your bath water works in the same way as it does when its flowers are drunk as a herbal tea. It calms the nerves and relaxes the body in preparation for a sound, natural sleep.
For a real get-up-and-go bath that will make you feel invigorated and alive add peppermint or lemon essential oil to the water. And to just relax and let the world drift on by, add two drops of chamomile and rose essential oil and six drops of lavender essential oil.
Before adding your essential oils to bath water, first dissolve them in about 20mm of cider vinegar. Approximately six to 10 drops of your chosen oil will be sufficient. The addition of the cider vinegar will help to combat dryness of the skin by restoring its acid balance.
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