AboutJudy Frayne Expertise I specialise in the mixing of oils. Every problem has a different solution depending on the underlying causes.A simple headache could be caused for a number of different reasons. Tracking down the origins of a problem is the first step. I can then advise on the correct oils to use,how to buy them and the methods with which they can be applied.
I can also recommend other complimentary techniques for self help with many physical and emotional problems.
Feel free to ask about:
Skin disorders - eczema, psoriasis,atheletes foot
Muscular aches and pains - arthritis, neck and shoulder tension.
Painkilling - headaches, chronic pain, backache.
Digestive disorders - IBS, constipation.
Stress - depression, anxiety, grief, anger, concentration.
Medicine cupboard - bites, stings, cuts, bruises,burns.
Babies and childrens - tummy aches, colds, sleep problems.
And many more !
Experience I have been a qualified aromatherapist for twelve years, working in my own premises as well as mobile visiting. My clients have been varied - ranging from babies to the elderly and sadly,the terminally ill. Whilst many clients simply wish to use aromatherapy to promote a feeling of well being and keep themselves relaxed and healthy - I have had much experience of clients with specific needs. These are just as wide ranging - from skin disorders to back problems on the physical side - to the emotional and spiritual side of things and problems such as coping with grief and bereavement or helping combat anger and stress.
I use a mixture of techniques including reflexology. I believe that aromatherapy is a very simple and natural method of self help that can compliment conventional techniques. I am passionate about passing on safe and sensible advice so that more people feel confident to try aromatherapy for themselves.
Aromatherapy is not always a cure - but it's potency should never be underestimated. It can help, it can be life changing - and it's certainly worth trying
Question QUESTION: Hi - on a recent trip to the US (I currently live in Belgium) I used "Gentle Vapors" plug in for my 3-year-old daughter's cough and it worked better than anything I have ever used (medicines, rubs, etc.). I can neither get it here nor use it here (electricity difference) so I would like to make a similar blend to use with a diffuser here.
The ingredients are: menthol, eucalyptus, camphor, lavender, and chamomile
I have no idea what proportions to use though and how much carrier oil, etc. in order to make a good mixture that is neither too weak nor too strong. Could you advise me?
Thank you.
Michelle
ANSWER: Hi Michelle. Many thanks for your question.
Here are the oils I would recommend for a young child to clear congestion and ease breathing.
Lavender - cooling, soothing, helps with sleep and clears sinuses.
Peppermint - decongesting but only one drop at a time.
Spearmint - a 'softer' version of Peppermint.
Myrtle - a 'softer' version of Eucalyptus - not so overpowering.
Eucalyptus - clearing, decongestant - one drop at a time.
Chamomile - will help soothe and aid sleep.
Tea tree - anti bacterial/ anti viral/ antiseptic - only one drop
Lemon - highly antiseptic and nice to smell.
I am assuming that you mean a diffuser that works over a night light candle ? I would use this method as you daughter needs to inhale the vapour in the air, and for this you need steam.If so then choose a diffuser that has a large top section. You will need to fill this with hot water. Start with hot water, not cold, as your candle will take ages to heat the water up enough to produce steam.The more water you can get in the diffuser, the more steam is carried into the air, the better the transfer of the oils into the air.
Into the hot water put one or two drops of each of your oils. You can stick with your original combination, or you can experiment with the other oils I have added into the list. I think they all work in combination really well and you an experiment with different mixes depending on whether it's night time or day time. you can use as many oils as you think is suitable for your daughter as you already experienced how strong the plug in was. Also the oils will evapourate off quite quickly in the hot water.
Make sure the diffuser doesn't burn dry. I generally keep a jug of water by my diffusers,for topping up. Also I would use a nightlight candle that lasts for two hours rather than one that will go on for four or six hours.
Don't mix the oils in a carrier oil. This would only be for massage purposes. If you do want to massage your daughter's chest I would stick with one drop lavender and one drop chamomile diluted in about 5 - 10ml of almond oil, or other vegetable based carrier oil.
You could also drop some lavender drops on your daughter's pillow at night.Lavender is so gentle it can go onto the skin undiluted, however, if she is very congested - maybe one drop of peppermint or spearmint, but not where it can come into contact with the face.
Please correct me if you are thinking of a different kind of diffuser. There has been a confusion with another questioner, who was meaning a type of diffuser that I had never seen before !
Good luck and best wishes to you both
Judy
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QUESTION: Thanks for your thorough answer! My diffuser, is however, different than traditional ones. I really wanted something that would work all night because she starts coughing again when it is not on, so I bought a plug in diffuser that is traditionally used for prepackaged room scents, it has a glass bottle that has a thick cotton or cotton-like cylinder that goes from inside the bottle with liquid up to the top part which plugs into the wall and heats up, diffusing the liquid. You can control the intensity from 1-5, in case you can't picture this, here is a picture of it: http://www.freshairforless.co.uk/userimages/plugins.jpg
Anyway, the past few days I have used drops from Germany called Olbas, which contains (per 100g):
Peppermint oil (Menthae piperitae)53 g
Cajeput oil 21 g
Eucalyptus oil 21 g
Juniper oil 3 g
wintergreen 2 g
I'm telling you this so you can see what works - I mean it is absorbed and diffused fine although it has no carrier oil (and has kept her from coughing but we've gone through a lot of it).
I would like to make my own mixture based on your suggestions, but I'm afraid with just essential oils it will be too strong and too expensive. Is the carrier oil only for massage or do you think it could be used in this sort of application as well?
I really thank you for your expertise and advice.
Best regards,
Michelle
Answer Hi Michelle - I have checked as far as I can and I'm afraid I can find no information on what the prepacked refills use as their carrier liquid.
I would most certainly not use carrier oil ( grapeseed or almond etc) as I think this may be potentially quite dangerous.
However, I am not happy either about recommending you fill the bottle with water as a carrier either. I am guessing the companies that make the plug diffusers probably manufacture a special carrier fluid that is not volatile, but is safe to use with electricity.
I am really sorry not to be of more help. I have no experience of using the plug in diffusers myself as I have always used those with a nightlght. the only other type of electric diffuser would be one where you buy refill pads and then drop a few drops of your oil onto the pad. This link has a few types. http://www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy-diffusers-burners.html
Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck
Best wishes
Judy
