AROMATHERAPY

Stress and Sport- Aromatherapy

By its very nature competitive sport is stressful, and a certain amount of positive stress can give the impetus for better performance. But stress that is not burnt off can lead to problems. Use relaxing baths to cobmbat stress , both leading up to the event and after it, but before taking either of the recommended baths rub the body all over with the following:By its very nature competitive sport is stressful, and a certain amount of positive stress can give the impetus for better performance. But stress that is not burnt off can lead to problems. Use relaxing baths to cobmbat stress , both leading up to the event and after it, but before taking either of the recommended baths rub the body all over with the following:

PRE-BATH STRESS RUB

PRE-SPORT STRESS BATH SYNERGISTIC BLEND

AFTER-SPORT STRESS BATH SYNERGISTIC BLEND

These baths and the pre-bath rub aid in the elimination of any traces of adrenal chemicals tha can remain in the body if not burnt off and lead to negative symptoms.Thes baths and the pre-bath rub aid in the elimination of any traces of adrenal chemicals tha can remain in the body if not burnt off and lead to negative symptoms. 

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR INCREASED PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

Use the above oils on their own or in combination, to a total of 2 drops only in baths and 10 drops to 30ml base oil for massage oil. The smaller quantities have their beneficial effect over a period of time and as these measures are likely to be used over a long period the small doses are better.Use the above oils on their own or in combination, to a total of 2 drops only in baths and 10 drops to 30ml base oil for massage oil. The smaller quantities have their beneficial effect over a period of time and as these measures are likely to be used over a long period the small doses are better.

If you experience deep fatigue it is better to use an oil that relaxes as opposed to stimulates, as a sudden rush of stimulation can tire the body further. Use for example marjoram instead of rosemary, and stick to low doses-only 10 drops of essential oil to 30ml vegetable oil.If you experience deep fatigue it is better to use an oil that relaxes as opposed to stimulates, as a sudden rush of stimulation can tire the body further. Use for example marjoram instead of rosemary, and stick to low doses-only 10 drops of essential oil to 30ml vegetable oil. 

Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie Ann Worwood

Foot Care - 2 - Aromatherapy

FEET TREAT FORMULAFEET TREAT FORMULA

 The following formula gives a wonderfully restorative treatment for feet. Use 3 drops of this synergistic blend in each bath and add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts and 1 teaspoon of rock salt.The following formula gives a wonderfully restorative treatment for feet. Use 3 drops of this synergistic blend in each bath and add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts and 1 teaspoon of rock salt. 

SPA FOOT BATH SYNERGISTIC BLEND

Alternatively, blend the whole formula with 3 tablespoons of Epsom salts and 1and a half dessertspoons salt. Mix in the blender and use as needed in hot water, soaking the feet for ten minutes. Follow by using the appropriate foot massage oil.Alternatively, blend the whole formula with 3 tablespoons of Epsom salts and 1and a half dessertspoons salt. Mix in the blender and use as needed in hot water, soaking the feet for ten minutes. Follow by using the appropriate foot massage oil.

FOOT PROBLEMSFOOT PROBLEMS

Black TOENAIL

Toenails that turn black are caused by bruising under the nail which can be caused by a blow, ill-fitting shoes or by stubbing your toe. Nails that have become loose shouild be taken off by a chiropodist if they are causing a problem.Toenails that turn black are caused by bruising under the nail which can be caused by a blow, ill-fitting shoes or by stubbing your toe.

Nails that have become loose shouild be taken off by a chiropodist if they are causing a problem. Use 1 drop of oil of hyssop under the toe, as far as you can get it, for the first three days. Then make up a toe massage oil by diluting 5 drops of hyssop in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil.

Blisters

Dilute 2 drops of tagetes oil in 2 drops of iodine and apply to the area. If your feet are susceptible to blisters, soak them in cold tea (this is an old dancers trick) make up a pot of strong tea and add it to a bowl of water.

INGROWING TOENAIL

To stop an ingrowing toenail becoming infected massage daily with the following:

FALLEN ARCHESIf the arches causes pain and aching, massage the instep towards the heel of the foot with the following.  TIPS FOR THE FEETSoaking, the feet in a mixture of 3 drops of rosemary oil and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl of warm water will soothe away tiredness.The ice treatment applies to feet as well as to other parts of the body: 3 drops of lavender oil in a bowl of iced-water is excellent for swollen feet. Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie Ann Worwood

Fallen Arches

If the Arches cause pain and aching massage the instep towards the head of the foot with  the following.

Tips For The Feet

Soaking the feet in a mixture of 3 drops of rosemary oil and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl of warm water will soothe away tiredness. The ice treatment applies to feet as well as to other parts of the body: 3 drops of lavender oil in a bowl of iced water is excellent for swollen feet.

Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie Worwood: 

Foot Care - Aromatherapy

For all dancers, and most sportspeople, it is the feet that take the pounding, and caring for them is of paramount importance. Feet that are well cared for can withstand the pressure placed on the twenty-six bones in each foot as well as avoiding the very real pain of blisters, corns and bunions.For all dancers, and most sportspeople, it is the feet that take the pounding, and caring for them is of paramount importance.

Feet that are well cared for can withstand the pressure placed on the twenty-six bones in each foot as well as avoiding the very real pain of blisters, corns and bunions.Blisters can become infected, especially those on the toes, and they need to be seen to immediately.

Lavender may sting, but 1 drop on an open blister will stop it from becoming infected. Corns develop over a period of time and become painful. Tagetes is the oil to use on these - massage 1 drop on the affected toe when the corn hurts.

Dancers have to cram fragile toes into blocked ballet shoes, and modern dancers are expected to be agile on heels so high that most of designed for specific foot needs; they are synergistic blends so make up a bottle of essential oil using these proportions.

FOOT OILS SYNERGISTIC BLEND FOR DANCERS

 FOOT OILS SYNERGISTIC BLEND FOR ATHLETES

Walking, jogging or running cause different pressures within the foot and a different oil is required. It has been found that female walkers use more force when their heel hits the ground so they might be wise to use padded heels.Walking, jogging or running cause different pressures within the foot and a different oil is required. It has been found that female walkers use more force when their heel hits the ground so they might be wise to use padded heels.

FOOT OILS SYNERGISTIC BLEND FOR WALKERS, JOGGERS AND RUNNERS

 The constant heavy landing on the ground can not only make the feet sore and cause strain on the hip bones, it may also put pressure on the head as we try to keep it up high. This can result in migranes.The constant heavy landing on the ground can not only make the feet sore and cause strain on the hip bones, it may also put pressure on the head as we try to keep it up high. This can result in migranes.If you are feeling worn out, here is a tremendously relaxing remedy.

Lavender is an excellent antibiotic and will help to heal any blisters and cuts. Take a large bowl and cover the bottom with a dozen or more small, round stones.Pour in enough hot water to cover your ankles and add 2 drops of lavender oil. Sit back, inhale the vapours and then roll your feet gently over the pebbles. 

The African marigold produces the essential oil of tagetes, which has bee much researched and proven to be an excure for bunions - so much so that there is now a Marigold Clinic in London.The African marigold produces the essential oil of tagetes, which has bee much researched and proven to be an excure for bunions - so much so that there is now a Marigold Clinic in London.

It can also be used for corns, calluses or hard skin, and to strengthen the joints and feet. Make an oil using 30 drops of tagetes oil to 30ml vegetable oil and rub all around the bunion and the other toes, paying particular attention to inflamed areas or those that you want to heal.Use every night for as long as you continue to have inflammation or pain.

If your feet have been especially battered and bruised, or if you have a problem with corns, bunions or inflamed joints, here is a formula which will both heal and strengthen.If your feet have been especially battered and bruised, or if you have a problem with corns, bunions or inflamed joints, here is a formula which will both heal and strengthen.

Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie Ann Worwood

MUSCLES-Aromatherapy

Muscles can be toned with essential oils, used in conjunction with exercise. Add the oils to a bath or to a massage oil applied either before or after bath.To keep muscles supple, put the essential oil on a face-cloth and rub on to the muscles in the shower before exercise. Use the following essential oils:

Essential Oils For Supple, Toned Muscles

Aerobic exercise is helped and improved when using essential oils,whc h not only tone muscles but faciliate easier breathing and increased circulation,Aerobic exercise is helped and improved when using essential oils,whc h not only tone muscles but faciliate easier breathing and increased circulation, 

Essential Oils For Aerobics

OVER-exercised Muscles

Over-exercised muscles cause pain and in some cases the inability to move without trembling as the muscles struggle to contract.

Rest is the best remedy, followed by hot baths and massage. If pain continues to be a problem you may have an injury. Ice can reduce swelling, if there is any, and the pain caused by inflammation.

Follow this with a hot bath into which you have put 3 drops of marjoram and 2 drops of lemon and soak for as long as possible. Afterwards massage with the following oil: 

MASSAGE OIL FOR OVER-EXERCISED MUSCLES

 Topical Analgesic Ointment

The following ointment can be applied to painful muscles. Combine the lanolin and rosewater in a bain-marie and when this mixture is cold add the essential oils and mix well.The following ointment can be applied to painful muscles. Combine the lanolin and rosewater in a bain-marie and when this mixture is cold add the essential oils and mix well.

If you prefer a stiffer base , add 20gms of beeswax at the bain-marie stage.If you prefer a stiffer base , add 20gms of beeswax at the bain-marie stage. 

Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie Ann Worwood