11 - 2016 - Range Products

Fractionated coconut oil is the product you are left with when most of the long chain triglycerides are removed from coconut oil leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides, making it an 100% saturated oil. This is done first by hydrolysis, using water to breakdown the coconut oil, then the fractionated oil is extracted using steam distillation. The end result is a thin, extremely stable oil with an exceptionally long shelf life.

It is light weight, easily absorbed and non-greasy, making it an excellent massage oil or carrier oil for essential oils. It is often used as an ingredient in body products and cosmetics as it is compatible with all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is also an emollient helping the skin to retain moisture.

Fractionating the coconut oil also increases the concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, which give it antioxidant and disinfecting properties making it a useful ingredient in some pharmaceutical products.

The Fractionated Coconut oil we sell at Range Products is pure and genuine, not the type of Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides which is a mixed triester derived from coconut oil and glycerin sometimes falsely called fractionated coconut oil.

Start with a small jar, such as a mustard or candle jar. Dissolve the appropriate amount of gelatine to fill the jar and set like a solid jelly. While it is still in liquid form but cooled and beginning to thicken, add 5ml of fragrance or essential oil and a couple of drops of food colouring. Allow to set. Cover the top with cling wrap and pierce it with a few holes. Place in the bathroom or toilet for instant freshness.

Insomnia is defined as “the inability to sleep sufficiently over a period of time’. Insomniacs either experience difficulty sleeping or have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It can last for long periods of time which can lead to number of unhealthy side effects. Though it can sometimes be caused by pain, lack of fresh air and exercise or poor diet, Insomnia most often develops from stress related problems or depression and anxiety. Essential oils which have relaxing and uplifting properties can be very useful, as well as oils with sedative properties. These oils can be used effectively in a warm relaxing bath, through tension relieving massage, in a vaporiser, or a couple of drops on the pillow.

Valerian essential oil has strong sedative properties and is often helpful in easing anxiety and pain relief. It can calm and restore the central nervous system, however, due to being a depressant on the nervous system, prolonged use is not recommended.Another essential oil with sedative and calming properties which can help to relax and sooth the mind is Sweet Marjoram. Vetiver oil can help with grounding the emotions and ease an overactive mind. It is considered to be deeply relaxing and helps to relieve nervous tension. Lavender oil has good calming, mind soothing properties and has been proven to help induce restful sleep. It can balance emotions and the nervous system. Chamomile also calms and sooth the mind. Ylang Ylang oil helps to create a feeling of peace and relieve anxiety. It is sedating and soporific and helps lower blood pressure. Bergamot is also an oil which can be used as an uplifting anti-depressand and stress reliever. Here is a suggestion for an insomnia blend for a massage oil:

100ml Sweet Almond Oil

20 drops Lavender

14 drops Sweet Marjoram

8 drops German Blue Chamomile

5 drops Ylang Ylang

3 drops Vetiver

The most common type of Sinusitis cases are classed as acute. It generally lasts less than four weeks and is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In a few cases it can also be the result of a fungal invasion. Alternatively, Chronic Sinusitis can be less severe but often lasts months and is often the result of a condition or disease that causes inflammation of the sinuses. Symptoms of Sinusitis include a persistent, dull headache, pain or pressure around the face, particularly where the sinuses are located, above, behind and around the eyes, and the area between the nose and cheek bones. These pains are increased when bending over and leaning forward, or lying down. Often linked with respiratory tract problems, Sinusitis can often be accompanied by a cold, fever, tooth ache, nasal congestion, a cough or in the case of Chronic Sinusitis, nasal discharge.Both the causes and symptoms of either type of Sinusitis can be significantly helped by the use of essential oils.

With this type of condition, an inhalation of oils such as Myrtle, Rosemary or Eucalyptus which all help relieve congestion and kill bacteria can be extremely beneficial. Myrtle is an especially good option to use in the evening as it does not have the stimulating affects of the other two. Teatree and Fragonia are exceptionally useful oils in the treatment of Sinusitis as they will fight viruses, bacteria, fungus and boost the immune system. A couple of drops of one of these oils along with pain relieving and anti-inflammatory oils such as German Chamomile or Lavender on a warm damp compress over the face would help relieve symptoms. Using these oils in a warm bath will also help to relax you as well as helping fight the infection. Frankincense is also a useful oil in treating Sinusitis as it not only assists in pain relief, it is also an expectorant, which helps promote the removal of mucus from the respiratory system. Some other expectorants are Sandalwood, Myrrh, and Eucalyptus. A combination of any of these oils in a carrier oil would be helpful rubbed over the chest on in a neck massage at the base of the skull which will help to open the sinuses. Peppermint oil can be added to a carrier oil and carefully massaged into the temples, taking care to avoid the eyes, to relieve a headache, kill the bugs and clear congestion.

A good example of a chest rub blend would be:

50ml Jojoba Oil

10 drops Myrtle

10 drops Lavender

2 drops Teatree

Eczema is a term for types of dermatitis, it is a name used for a number of different skin conditions, which inflame the epidermis. These skin conditions can be caused by persistent dryness, recurring rashes or allergy related reactions, which are known as ‘allergic contact eczemas’

Some symptoms of Eczema are redness, itching, dryness, cracking and flacking. In worse cases it can lead to blisters and weeping or bleeding sores.

One common type of eczema is Atopic eczema. It is believed to be a hereditary condition, often goes hand in hand with asthma and manifests itself as an itchy rash, especially prominent on the scalp, neck, elbows, behind the knees and the buttocks. This can be helped with soothing oils like Petitgrain, Lavender or Sandalwood which help ease the itch and allow the skin to heal, and anti-inflammatory oils such as German Chamomile or Teatree to help the rash go down. Lavender, Sandalwood and Teatree will also help with any infections that may have arisen due to broken skin from scratching. Adding a few drops of these oils to a lukewarm bath along with a spoon full of baking soda would be very beneficial, or putting a couple of drops into a carrier oil such as Jojoba and gently massaging over the affected area.

Another type of Eczema is Contact Dermatitis, caused by either an allergic reaction or an irritant coming into contact with the skin. This will also result in a sore or itchy rash and the same oils could be applied. It is important that essential oils are diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to painful, irritated skin. Another option would be to make a cold compress using floral water such as Rose, Chamomile or Lavender and adding one or two drops of additional essential oil for extra relief.

Xerotic Eczema, also sometimes called Winter Itch is caused when dry skin gets so bad it becomes Eczema. Usually the limbs and trunk of the body are most affected. The skin becomes very dry, cracked and flaky which is often sore and itchy. For this type of Eczema, in addition to the previous oils mentioned, essential oils with skin healing properties would be helpful. Benzoin oil added to a moisturiser will help to prevent cracking. Frankincense is an excellent oil for rejuvenating dry skin, reducing scarring and promoting healing and skin cell regeneration. Palmarosa is also a good choice of oil as it helps to moisturise the skin, stimulates cellular regeneration and regulates sebum production. These oils could be gently applied to the affected areas in a healing carrier oil such as Calendula infused oil which will soften and sooth dry areas, assist with any infected areas and reduce inflammation. Alternatively, a carrier oil such as Avocado oil would be a good option, as it is rich in vitamins and easily penetrates the skin, improving elastin.

To create an Eczema treatment you could begin by making 200ml of a moisturising lotion or blended base oil using Calendula and Avocado oils and adding a little Vitamin E. Then 100drops of essential oil:

30 drops Benzoin

30 drops Frankincense

15 drops Teatree

15 drops Palmarosa

10 drops Sandalwood

We generally recommend that all essential oils are used on or around children with extreme caution. This is because many can be highly toxic to a child and there is a much greater risk of an adverse reaction. Their skin is more sensitive and they are more susceptible to respiratory reactions. As they are smaller their liver has to work harder to process the essential oil and ingestion of even small amounts can have serious medical consequences.

When making products for children it is best to either consult an Aromatherapist or stick to the essential oils known to be gentle, such as Teatree, Lavender, Chamomile or Mandarin.

Month: November 2016

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