How to Make an Aromatherapy Compress

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Hot or cold compresses provide relief for aching muscles, headaches and skin irritations. Adding essential oils can improve the effectiveness of a compress and help target specific conditions. Making an aromatherapy compress at home is a quick and easy way to provide soothing relief for your family's aches and pains.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Clean cloth
Water
Essential oils
Plastic wrap

Step 1

Place water in a large bowl. Decide whether to make a hot or cold compress. Hot water increases circulation and a cold compress reduces swelling.
Step 2

Add 6 drops of essential oils for every 2 cups of water you use. Choose oils based on the condition the compress treats. Ginger oil warms stiff muscles, eucalyptus and lavender help relieve muscle and headaches and chamomile alleviates pain from rashes, sunburn and cramps.
Step 3

Place the clean cloth in the water. Saturate it with the water and then wring out.
Step 4

Use plastic wrap or a towel to hold the aromatherapy compress in place, especially when using on legs or arms.
Step 5

Re-soak and apply aromatherapy compress multiple times as needed.

Tips & Warnings

Alternate hot and cold compresses for some conditions such as muscle aches.
Use hot water when making up a compress to soothe menstrual cramps.
Check for skin sensitivity or allergies to the essential oils you choose. Some essential oils can irritate sensitive skin.
Store essential oils in areas out of the reach of children. Avoid using peppermint oil in compresses for children under 6 years old.

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