A range of products to use before and after exercise.
PRE-EXERCISE BLEND
Palmarosa . Peppermint . Rosemary
This blend should be applied to muscles prior to exercise. It may also be useful to inhale the aroma aswell.
The idea is to use essential oils to help prepare mind, muscles and body for efficient activity, thereby improving performance. Shower gel, massage oil or gel rub should be used as part of the warm-up routine.
The blend contains these essential oils because:
Palmarosa
This oil is a circulatory tonic so boosts circulation and promotes blood supply to the muscles. Muscles will be ‘fuelled’ more efficiently during exercise.
Peppermint
This oil is stimulating and decongesting. It helps facilitate easier and deeper breathing, which in turn will increase oxygenation of the blood. It is also warming and anti-spasmodic so will help prepare muscles for action and prevent injury. Additionally peppermint clears the head allowing clear, focused thinking which may be important for some sports people.
Rosemary
This oil serves a similar purpose to peppermint. It is stimulating and will facilitate easier breathing and also clears the head, allowing focused thinking. Again it is warming when applied to the skin so will promote blood flow through the muscles that have to work hard.
Cautions to use: Use not advised during pregnancy, with high blood pressure or epilepsy due to the stimulating nature of the essential oils. Do not use if you are taking homeopathic remedies as they are affected by peppermint essential oil.
POST-EXERCISE BLEND
Juniper
This blend should be used after exercise either in the shower or bath and then applied as massage oil or gel rub if required.
The idea is to use essential oils to help prevent sore muscles by aiding the elimination of waste products that result from hard exercise (for example lactic acid build up).
All the above oils are cleansing, detoxifying and refreshing to both mind and body, so helping with dispersal and elimination of waste products that may otherwise cause discomfort later.
After competitive sport there may also be adrenal chemicals remaining in the blood that have not been fully burnt off. It is important to eliminate these from the system as they may lead to increased stress symptoms later. This blend will help with elimination and rebalancing of the body system.
Additionally Rosemary is warming and promotes blood supply. This helps keep muscles supple and carry away waste products. It is also has analgesic properties which will further prevent muscle soreness.
Cautions to use: Use not advised during pregnancy, with high blood pressure or kidney problems due to the stimulating properties of the essential oils.
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Tired Muscles could also be considered for use after exercise, particularly if muscles are tired, stiff and sore.