Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon's familiar aroma continues to warm kitchens throughout the world.  The spice was first used medicinally in ancient Egypt; we know now it has antiviral properties due to its volatile oil, which is extracted from both the bark and leaves of the cinnamon plant.  These oils emit a sweet scent that aromatherapists believe can provide warmth and a sense of security.  The aroma is thought to arouse the senses.  Used topically as a beauty aid, cinnamon-leaf oil is astringent, antiseptic and soothingly warm.  The warmth also soothes aching muscles due to cold symptoms.  Avoid skin irritation by diluting before use.  For the following recipes, I always use Livinity's Tru Bliss Essential oils.

Recipes

Gentle Strength for When You Feel Fragile - The aroma of cinnamon oil can calm your anxieties and strengthen self-confidence.  A few drops of the following blend in a diffuser or nebulizer has a soothing effect, strengthens the heart and may bring comfort in times of painful loss.
4 drops cinnamon oil
2 drops sandalwood oil
2 drops orange oil

For Head Lice - To repel head lice, add a few drops of cinnamon oil to 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil.  rub the mixture into your scalp daily until the parasites are gone.  Be extremely careful to avoid the eyes.

To Combat Chills - A warm bath with cinnamon, ginger and juniper oils may dispel the chills that accompany colds.  The bath stimulates circulation and warms the entire body.  Add 1 drop each of the oils to your bathwater and be sure to mix them well.

For a Warming Footbath - Fill a deep tub with 2 gallons warm water.  Add one drop of cinnamon oil, 2 drops of rosemary, 1 tsp of vodka and 2 drops of juniper essential oil.  Mix well, and submerge your feet in the mixture for a relaxing soak.

Daily massage with 3 tbsp of sweet almond oil mixed with 8 drops of cinnamon oil, 5 drops of orange oil and 4 drops of juniper oil to stimulate blood flow and help to firm up and tone the skin.  The mixture can also help you battle cellulite; Massage the oil into the skin with firm upward strokes toward the heart.  In addition, this oil blend works well as a foot massage.

Cinnamon oil strengthens and firms up gums and helps to prevent gum disease.  Add 1 drop of cinnamon oil to 1 tsp of vodka and 2 tbsp of water.  Shake the mixture well and swish your toothbrush in it.  Brush your teeth as usual.

In  room spray, cinnamon oil will refresh damp, mildewy areas.  Mix 2 ounces of vodka, 3 drops of cinnamon oil, 5 drops of bergamot oil and 2 ounces of water in a spritzer; shake the bottle well, and then spray the room.  You can add this mixture to a simmer pot or nebulizer for the same effect.

As a Custom Perfume - For an antiseptic perfume, a single drop of cinnamon oil may be added to 2 ounces of vodka for a warm spicy base.  Other essential oils like lavender, bergamot or ylang-ylang could be added - up to 10 drops total - to create your own personal scent.  Spray your hair or your clothes, but always avoid your eyes.  If you add bergamot, don't spritz your skin, as it's phototoxic.  Add jasmine oil for a rich scent; vanilla oil will lend an exotic edge.

Eucalyptus Oil

The essential oil of eucalyptus is obtained from the leaves and branches of the eucalyptus tree, Eucalyptus globulus.  It takes some 110 pounds of plant material to produce about 2 pounds of eucalyptus oil. The medicinal properties of eucalyptus oil were most likely first discovered by the Aborigines, the native inhabitants of Australia.  They used the oil as a remedy for skin problems and fever; not surprisingly, the eucalyptus tree has long been called the "fever tree."  Modern herbalists rely on eucalyptus oil to treat these conditions, as well as colds and other bothersome respiratory ailments.  The oil is a fine decongestant and has strong germicidal and antibacterial effects.  It is an effective treatment for colds, fever, respiratory diseases, joint and muscle pain, migraines and kidney and bladder problems. 

Take Care!!! Too much eucalyptus oil can potentially irritate the skin, so be sure to use the exact amount specified in the preparations listed here.  Combining eucalyptus oils with massage oil reduces the chance of irritation.  Keep eucalyptus oil away from children under age 6.

Recipes

For Mental Fatigue - Eucalyptus essential oil stimulates the nervous system and promotes concentration.  Combined with lemon oil in a nebulizer or diffuser, it is ideal to use when the psyche is affected by mental exhaustion and listlessness.
4 drops eucalyptus oil
2 drops lemon oil

For a Sense of Well-Being - A few drops of a blend of eucalyptus and massage oils have a cooling and stimulating effect on both mind and body.  Apply to pulse points.

To Purify the Sickroom - Eucalyptus oil is the ideal essence to use in the sickbed environment.  Five drops of the oil in a diffuser or nebulizer will kill germs in the air and reduce the number of airborne bacteria.  This will help keep germs from spreading.

Insect Repellent - Insects dislike the odor of eucalyptus oil.  To make an insect repellent, add a few drops of the oil to massage oil.  Or place a few drops in a diffuser or nebulizer to keep the room pest free.

For Wounds and Abscesses - The strong germicidal effect of eucalyptus oil can help heal wounds, burns, ulcers and insect bites or stings.  Place a few drops of the essential oil on a dressing or bandage before covering the area with it.

To Suppress Coughs - Make a chest compress with eucalyptus and massage oils to loosen phlegm and improve lung function.

Fever Reducer - Lower a fever with a eucalyptus calf wrap.  Add 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to 1 qt. of lukewarm water.  Soak linen or cotton cloths in the mixture.  Then, wrap the cloths around your calves and secure with dry cloths.  Calf wraps should be used only when the feet are warm.

Congestion - To relieve sinus and chest congestion, combine 5 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 drop peppermint oil.  Add crushed eucalyptus, peppermint, coltsfoot and comfrey herbs.  Place 1/2 oz of mixture in a clean sock, knot the end and place inside your pillowcase overnight.  To alleviate cold symptoms, place a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief and deeply inhale the aroma.

Muscle Aches - For relief from muscular aches and pains, mix 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil and 2 oz of sweet almond or grapeseed oil.  Massage into your muscles.

Dandruff - To rid dandruff, mix 10 drops of eucalyptus oil with your shampoo.  Massage well into your scalp.  Wait a few minutes before rinsing.