Carriers that cool things down ....
It is summer here in the US and everyone is feeling the heat, even here in the northeast. With more people out in the sun and wind in these months, the cases of sun damage has increased. Also, in these higher temperatures, application of essential oils, which is a big part of my healing practice, can be a little uncomfortable and sticky. Here’s where the use of moist and cooling carriers can alleviate these conditions, as well as add some additional health benefits. Part of my education in aromatherapy included the use of hydrosols which are moisturizing and refreshing as they contain water. But another carrier has become a favorite of mine in these dog days of summer. That is aloe gelly. I was introduced to this carrier by Jade Schutes, founder of the School for Aromatic Studies, in discussion of her pain relief gel. The aloe used is organic and has cooling properties and is helpful in treating sun and wind damage.
The gelly is thicker than aloe gel, which I find easier to blend and apply topically. Adding hydrosols for the desired consistency is a way to add even more healing benefits to this carrier. Blending in organic essential oils increases the health benefits even further to this application. Here are three ways I use these carriers.
Simply as a carrier for essential oils in the hot summer months. As long as I am not treating someone for a cold/damp issue, this aloe product is a perfect carrier for this time of year. Just add an organic essential oil or blend of oils to 1/2 cup of gelly in a clean glass container. I use alcohol wipes to sterilize the jars. Stir to combine. I use a glass rod, but you can use a stainless steel whisk as well. Since this method is covering a larger surface area of the body, make sure to use correct dilutions of essential oils.
Treatment of an inflammatory condition, such as arthritis. Again use 1/2 cup of aloe gelly and stir in anti-inflammatory or detoxifying hydrosols, such Bay Laurel, Juniper Berry, Helichrysum, and/or sedating hydrosols, such as Lavender or German chamomile. Add up to 6 Tbls, about 2 Tbls per hydrosol. Keep checking for consistency. This will make about 1 cup of product. Add about 53 drops of an essential oil blend to the mix. You can use Peppermint and/or Wintergreen for their analgesic properties, helichrysum as an anti-inflammatory or calming essential oils as well.
As a treatment for sunburn it self. To a clean glass jar add the 1/2 cup of aloe vera gelly. Stir in 1 Tbl of Hamamelis (witch hazel) and 1-2 Tbls of Calendula hydrosols. Jade Shutes also uses the 1.5 Tbl of Calendula herbal oil. I prefer the feel and consistency of just the hydrosols with the aloe vera gelly. The herbal oil is a bit too viscous for me, although I’m sure is quite potent. 15 drops of essential oils are a good addition and maintains the feel and consistency I prefer. An organic blend of 5 drops of German Chamomile and 10 drops of Lavender can be added to the mix. Calendula officinalis or Marigold is a flower of the summer. It is cooling, both anti-bacterial and anti-viral, with anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Clinical trials have shown that calendula increases cell proliferation and encourages the granulation process of wound healing. I love the colors of this summer flower and it’s healing properties. Nicholas Culpeper captures the spirit of the plant in his description. “It is an herb of the Sun, and under Leo, the flowers strengthen the heart exceedingly”. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Keep hydrated and cool.