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AROMATHERAPY EXPERT
Julia Lawless is an author, aromatherapy expert and managing director of Aqua Oleum (aqua-oleum.co.uk).
Q I bruise very easily on my arms and legs. How can I help the unattractive marks to fade more quickly?
A Lavender is great for soothing swellings and reducing pain from bruising. It is one of the few essential oils you can apply directly onto a bruise to encourage healing. So long as the area affected is small. Gently dab a few drops of lavender essential oil on the bruise, 3-4 times daily.
You can also try myrrh essential oil, which is a remedy with a long history of use for skin regeneration and calming tissue inflammation. As an astringent, it contracts cellular tissues and reduces bleeding, helping heal bruises and reduce discolouration more quickly. Use as described in the blend (right).
Helichrysum is a potent anti-inflammatory and offers gentle pain relief. The oil aids in the recovery from haematoma, a condition caused by broken blood vessels, so reducing the size and discolouration of bruises fast. Witch hazel is a vulnerary (wound healer) that seals off slow leaks within the blood vessels to reduce bruising, and improves blood circulation to aid healing. It’s best applied to a cotton pad, then held against the bruise for a few minutes. Repeat several times a day.
Try mixing this blend for your bruise: add 10 drops each of lavender, myrrh and helichrysum oil to 50ml of chilled witch hazel. Shake well before each use and apply three to four times a day.
Q My fingernails are in bad condition. They're very brittle and some are splitting. How can I get them feeling nourished again?
A Adding a few drops of essential oils to a rich carrier oil to use as a nail treatment is the best way to remedy this condition.
Myrrh helps protect the fingernails from becoming brittle. It’s a healing and regenerative oil that I love, which is great for keeping cuticles healthy, so promoting new nail growth.
Rose geranium conditions cuticles and encourages cellular growth, strengthening dry, brittle nails. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties also protect the skin and nails from infections.
Tea tree is an excellent oil to add to any nail blend for its fortifying and antiseptic properties and to help prevent nail infections.
Jojoba and argan oil both contain masses of antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids that protect, condition and nourish damaged skin, making them ideal carrier oils.
Try this blend for brittle nails: 10ml jojoba or argan oil, two drops each of rose geranium, tea tree and myrrh oil. Mix together, then shake well. Massage into the nail beds and cuticles daily then lea
