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the plants themselves
39
to cleanse the area.
essential oils — the compact pharmacy
Essential oils are extracted from flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, and
trees. There are, at present, more than three hundred different types of
essential oils available, which form an extremely efficient medical system.
Many essential oils form the basis of modern pharmaceutical
preparations.
The wonderful benefits of essential oils must be respected. Applied
directly and undiluted to the skin, they will burn, except in the case of
lavender. Some people, following advice in books, have put pure essential
oils (particularly tea tree oil) onto cuts, skin abrasions, and skin problems.
Tea tree burns are common because this essential oil has been advised for
direct skin use. Some people can indeed tolerate it, but a patch test is
advisable.
If an essential oil has been applied directly in undiluted form and is
burning, treat with aloe vera gel, olive oil, wheat germ oil, or any thick
vegetable oil you have at hand. Do not use water, as it will amplify the
burning effect.
Methods of Use and Dosage for Essential Oils
Tissue and handkerchief: Put one drop on and sniff when required.
Inhaled as a vapor: Add two to three drops to a bowl of steaming-hot water
and cover the head and bowl with a towel; keep your face a foot above
the surface of the water and inhale the vapor.
1
1
Massage oil: Use approximately ⁄
4
to ⁄
2
teaspoon essential oil to 1 cup base oil.
Baths: Add a maximum of eight drops.
Vegetable base oils: Nut or seed oils are best. If in doubt, use cold-pressed
virgin olive oil.
herbal oils
Place your chosen and preferably fresh herb in a blender with a little olive
oil or fractionated coconut oil— both are nonrancid, safe, stable base oils
in which the herbs can be macerated. The cutting of the herbs will release
the essential oils into the base oil. The ratio is approximately 4 ounces
dried material to 3 cups of oil, but if you use fresh material, use about 6
ounces. Place this maceration in the sunshine and allow to steep for two
weeks. Shake regularly. If you wish, you can strengthen it by straining the
liquid, discarding the residual herbs, and beginning the process again with
a new batch of herbs.
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