Our top 5 essential oils for massage

The benefits of Aromatherapy and essential oils are endless. One of our favourite ways to access these benefits it through massage. As simple as that sounds, if it isn’t done properly with the correct quantities and blends it can end in far from beneficial effects.

For body massage we recommend using 30ml of base oil to 10-12 drops of pure essential oil.

Our favourite base oils:

• Almond oil
• Jojoba oil
• Rosehip oil
• Calendula oil
• Evening primrose oil
• Macadamia oil

Our favourite essential oils:

Rose (otto) – the queen of all oils. Rose is the ruler of all of the essential oils; this is reflected in its cost. However, once you have good rose oil in your collection you can treat just about anything! When combined with a base oil for massage, rose is great for:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Balancing
• Boost poor circulation
• Calming
• Depression
• Hay fever
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Migraine
• Nausea
• Nervous tension
• Stress
• Sadness
• Skin toning
• Stimulating the liver and gall bladder

Top blend: Bring a feeling of serene calm, blend 3 drops chamomile, 3 drops ylang ylang, 1 drop jasmine, 3 drops rose.

Black pepper – It is no surprise that this is one of our favourite oils. Black pepper is the perfect oil for those who are involved in regular exercise and sports. It is stimulating and can help enhance alertness and stamina. As well as easing painful, aching muscles and has been used in the treatment of arthritis and joint pain. When combined with base oil for massage, black pepper is great for:

• Aching muscles
• Aphrodisiac
• Arthritis
• Chilblains
• Constipation
• Muscle cramps
• Poor circulation
• Sluggish digestion

Top blend: To treat sore muscles after a hard training sesh, blend 5 drops black, 4 drops of lavender and 1 drop of lemon.

Roman Chamomile: As lovers of rest and recovery, chamomile is an essential essential oil for us. It aids relaxation and treats insomnia as well as having an impressive list of other qualities. When combined with base oil for massage, roman chamomile is great for:

• Abscesses,
• Allergies
• Arthritis,
• Boils
• Colic
• Cuts
• Cystitis
• Dermatitis
• Dysmenorrhea
• Earache
• Flatulence
• Hair
• Headache
• Inflamed skin
• Insect bites
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Neuralgia
• PMS
• Rheumatism
• Sores
• Sprains
• Strains
• Stress
• Wounds

Top blend: To send the lucky recipient off to sleep, blend 10 drops of chamomile and the chosen base oil…zzzzzz.

Jasmine absolute – The aroma of jasmine is what makes it one of our all time faves. As well as that it is uplifting, has been used to help combat depression and is an aphrodisiac. When combined with base oil for massage, jasmine is great for:

• Depression
• Dry skin
• Exhaustion
• Labor pains
• Sensitive skin

Top blend: For a fail-safe aphrodisiac, blend 2 drops of jasmine, 2 drops of ylang ylang and 6 drops of sandalwood.

Lavender – Lavender Essential Oil is probably the best-known oil and has been listed as the number 1 favourite oil. Given the amazing smell and beautiful properties of lavender this is no surprise. We love it, and use it for all of its many benefits. When combined with base oil for massage, lavender is great for:

• Acne
• Allergies
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Athlete’s foot
• Bruises
• Burns
• Chicken pox
• Colic
• Cuts
• Cystitis
• Depression
• Dermatitis
• Dysmenorrhea
• Earache
• Flatulence
• Headache
• Hypertension
• Insect bites
• Insect repellant
• Itching
• Labor pains
• Migraine
• Oily skin
• Rheumatism
• Scabies
• Scars
• Sores
• Sprains
• Strains
• Stress
• Stretch marks
• Vertigo
• Whooping cough

Top tip: For ultimate de-stressing, blend 6 drops clary sage, 3 drops lavender and 1 drop lemon.

For some really great guidance on blending oils, check out our recommended read: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1852307218/aromaweb

NB: Always carry out a patch test before using any oils on the body