Beauty

THE LOWDOWN ON ESSENTIAL OILS

How to use them
 For direct application to the skin, five drops into 10ml of base oil.
For a steam inhalation three to four drops into a bowl of hot water.
For an aromatherapy soak 10 drops to a full bath of water.
For a scented steam room 12 drops into an oil burner.
Avoid all oils during the first trimester of pregnancy.
PEPPERMINT<br>
PEPPERMINT
 Cooling, antispasmodic and calming.

USEFUL FOR
Muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, digestive complaints.

AVOID
If you have a heart condition, have epilepsy or you're pregnant.
GERANIUM<br>
GERANIUM
 Sedative, balancing, hormone-regulating and very mild.

USEFUL FOR
Inflamed skin conditions, PMT, anxiety.

AVOID
If you have epilepsy or you're pregnant.
MAY CHANG<br>
MAY CHANG
 Refreshing, astringent, uplifting and lemony.

USEFUL FOR
Tired muscles, mood swings, problem skin.

AVOID
Using on children or putting too much in the bath.

TEA TREE<br>
TEA TREE
 Antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal.

USEFUL FOR
General first aid, acne, athlete's foot, burns, oily skin.

AVOID
Using on small children, and don't use it neat.
LAVENDER<br>
LAVENDER
 Soothing, anti-inflammatory, sedative and very mild.

USEFUL FOR
Stings, bites and cuts, inflamed skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema, sleeping problems and anxiety.

AVOID
If you are pregnant.