Aromatherapy Tips

Citadel Health offers you tips on how to beat the Winter Blues the natural way

What is Aromatherapy? How to Use Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils which are the There are numerous ways of using essential oils safely and life force of the plant. These are extracted from many parts effectively. of the plants such as resins, woods, barks, leaves, flowers, berries, cones and the rind of citrus fruits. MASSAGE - Essential oils must not be used neat on the skin but mixed with a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond Oil Each has many therapeutic properties which, or Grapeseed Oil. The recommended dose is 5 drops of when mixed with a carrier oil, is used for massage to enhance essential oil to 10ml base oil, or similarly 10 drops to 20ml. its effects. They can be used in various ways such as in baths, The comforting sense of touch combined with the relevant inhalation and vaporization to mention a few. aroma encourages the absorption of the oils into the skin and into the bloodstream, where one can have the desired effect. Aromatherapy is an excellent way of maintaining good health, dealing with everyday stress and treating different ailments. VAPORISATION - One can create a pleasant aroma around Using the oils daily will help prevent disease, increase mental the home and work place by pouring a few drops of essential alertness and maintain your body in equilibrium. oil in some water in an aromatherapy burner. Always place on a stable, heat resistant surface. Aromatic essences had been well recognized by our ancestors who fully exploited their healing powers. Nowadays, the use INHALATION - Simply add 2 or 3 drops of essential oil of this precious gift of nature is rightfully being revived in the to a small bowl of hot water, close your eyes and inhale the search to find a more natural approach to wellbeing. vapours for a few minutes.

As winter approaches it is important to boost up our immune BATHS – One of the easiest and most pleasurable ways of system. Virtually all essential oils have bactericidal properties. using essential oils is to add 5 to 10 drops of oil to the bath They can help prevent and treat infectious illnesses by water or simply add to unscented shower gel. promoting the production of white blood cells. People who use essential oils all the time catch fewer colds than average Some versatile and useful essential oils used for protection and recover quickly if they do. against colds and flu are: Tea Tree, Lavender, , Bergamot, Clove and . Some oils can also help reduce fever, these are: Peppermint, , , Eucalyptus and Tea Tree. If you are shivery and cold and feel that you have the onset of something, take a warm bath to which the following oils have been added: • Tea Tree 5 drops • Lavender 5 drops • Thyme 5 drops

You could also pour a few of these drops into some water in a burner and place in the bedroom or living area. Another method is to add these essential oils to a bowl of hot water and place in the corner of a room. The hot water allows the oils to vaporize the molecules into the air for inhalation. Carry It isn’t always easy to recapture that aroma of pine when with you a tissue on which you have placed one drop of each, Christmas trees are made of plastic and tinsel. Put a few drops Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Clove, inhale deeply whenever of pine oil on a piece of absorbent material and tuck it around possible. This will help if you have a blocked nose. Steam the trunk or base of the tree. Or make a Christmas house spray inhalations also help to relieve congestion, use Eucalyptus, by combining 4 drops of Pine, 2 drops of Mandarin and 1 drop Rosemary and Tea Tree essential oils. of diluted in 300ml water in a plant spray. It must be noted that essential oils can also treat psychological and emotional ailments. Lavender for example has a balancing effect Occupational Oils for the on the central nervous system. Mandarin, apart from being an antiseptic has an uplifting and revitalizing effect while Lemon Working Man & Woman can also be used to clear, refresh and stimulate the mind.

Many of the common illnesses derive directly from the working environment, the place over which we have least Safety Guidelines control such as offices, factories and hospitals. Essential oils can help alleviate many ‘office induced’ illnesses. They In general, those essential oils which are commonly available combat bacteria and viruses, which is so vital in the winter are safe to use for aromatherapy or household purposes. months when whole offices can go down with flu. However due to their high concentration and potency, it is necessary to be aware of safety measures. Oils to clear bacteria and viruses are: Lavender, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cypress and Bergamot. Oils to combat stale air are: • Do not take essential oils internally. Lemon, Lavender, Rosemary, and Cypress. • Store in dark bottles, away from light and heat and well out of reach of children and pets. The citrus essential oils smell very pleasant and few people • Always buy the natural, pure and unadulterated oils. object to them. An excellent combination would be equal • Some oils should be avoided during pregnancy, so parts of Lavender and Grapefruit – Lavender is an antibiotic always ask for advice beforehand. with slight anti-viral properties which also creates a calm and • Seek medical advice for serious and persistent health tranquil atmosphere, while Grapefruit stops you from falling conditions. asleep on your paperwork and clears up stale air. The use of Ms. Jeannette Cutajar these oils can transform the working environment not only by Consultant in Aromatherapy Oils making it a healthier place but by also helping concentration and allowing inspiration. There are many special events to celebrate throughout the year and with Christmas just around the corner here is a list of essential oils to bring about the Christmas spirit: Cinnamon, Clove, Mandarin, Orange, , Pine, Cedarwood, and .

Your Health is Important to Us – It's in our DNA

Call us on Freephone 8003 1000 or visit www.citadelhealth.com.mt

CITADEL HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY LIMITED 75 ST FRANCIS STREET • FLORIANA FRN 1031 • MALTA • TEL: +356 2010 6262 • FAX: +356 2010 6266 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • www.citadelhealth.com.mt

Citadel Health Insurance Agency Limited is enrolled under the Insurance Intermediaries Act 2006 to act as an insurance agent of SwissLife Prévoyance et Santé and is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority.