witchy tip: essential oils with compresses
- a compression infused with oils is a great way to relieve bruises, burns, headaches, and even varicose veins.
- using hot/cold compresses can depend on your preference, but generally are most effective when you use them with responsive oils
- for example, a hot compress is ideal for skin infections (abscesses and boils), and muscular/joint problems that can include strains, backaches, rheumatism, and arthritis. for these issues, ginger, cypress, juniper, pine, and lavender oils are relieving and warming.
- cold water compresses are good for sprains and sports injuries, especially if it already feels hot and swollen. it also relieves headaches. use oils like lavender, neroli, peppermint, and eucalyptus to increase cooling effects.
- to make the compresses, you can add 3-4 drops of essential oils to a bowl of hot or cold water, mix it up and use 1 table spoon of a carrier oil (almond, sunflower, coconut, etc), and then drench and wring out a washcloth and apply it to the area bothering you.
- a tip for enhancing heated compresses: wrap cling wrap or a towel around it to insulate it. it also helps keep your clothes dry.
- repeat three times or as needed
this isnt a substitution for medical treatment!! go to a licensed physician if pain/symptoms are severe/do not get better! these are tips Iāve gotten from an old book I have that I wanted to share
