TIGHTEN UP, OOOH, TIGHTEN UP!

Niaouli essential oil

(Melaleuca quinquinervia, formerly viridifolia)

      Niaouli is a member of the Myrtaceae family, being related to the Tea Trees (Melaleucas). It is a native of the southern Pacific tropical regions and is also found in northern Australia. Niaouli oil is extracted from the fresh leaves by distillation and then is purified to remove irritant constituents.

Niaouli Oil helps to tighten tissues and reduces the appearance of cellulite, stimulating circulation to the skin and regenerating skin tissue.  In fact, Niaouli’s tissue regenerative properties directly enhance tissue oxygenation. 

Niaouli has been noted by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt as an excellent general immune system booster, and an agent to help one with allergic reactions. His protocol is the application of 5-20 drops of oil directly to the skin after a shower, for best absorption.

If your skin doesn’t have particular damage to it, but appears lifeless due to exhaustion and/or exposure to significant amounts of pollution or environmental toxins, this is the blend for you. Use one part Rosehip Seed and 4 parts Hazelnut as the base. To each ounce, include fifteen drops Carrot Seed (also known as Wild Carrot or Queen Anne’s Lace – a well known skin restorative), fifteen drops Lemon verbena (which enhances the removal of toxins from skin tissues), fifteen drops Niaouli (an all-around brilliant antiseptic oil with firming effects), and fifteen drops Rosemary verbenone (again, for it’s regenerative and stimulating effects). 

If you are wishing to strengthen, tighten, and firm your skin, try this dilute mixture (the concentration of essential oils is relatively low here for use near the eyes) five ounces of Hazelnut oil and one ounce of Rosehip seed oil, fifteen drops of Green Myrtle, fifteen drops of Rock Rose (a plant grown in very sun-drenched areas, excellent for gently tightening the skin). If you like, add fifteen drops of Rosemary verbenone for it’s regenerative properties, but omit if this causes sensitivity used near the eyes.

APPLY between 5 and 20 drops of the oil to the body with a loofah pad or facial sponge.  

Because Niaouli Oil can lead to irritation, it is often mixed with tea tree or lavender oil.  I usually put my oils in a carrier oil like Jojoba or Grapeseed. 

General Safety Information: Do not take any essential oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use essential oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an essential oil that you've never used before. Instructions on conducting a skin patch test and more safety information can be found by visiting the Essential Oil Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on essential oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs.