Essential oils are extracted from many parts of various plants and then used to increase health and well being. These are not fragrance oils, and there is nothing synthetic in them. The fragrance oils, while they may smell great, do not offer the same health benefits as essential oils.
Essential oils work by being absorbed through the skin as well as the sense of smell. Using both methods, such as with massage, is the most effective way to utilize the properties of the oils.
Using Essential Oils in the Home
The oil can be added to homemade cleaning products, or laundry soap, to create a signature scent for the whole house. I use a combination of Rose Otto and Tangerine for my cleaning supplies. Rose Otto balances the emotions and off-sets depression while the tangerine soothes anxiety and brings cheerfulness. It is a nice combination for a big family!
Other ways to use essential oils are:
– Add a few drops to distilled water and put in a spray bottle as an air freshener
– Add a few drops of essential oil to a box of baking soda, mix very well, let set for a few days and then sprinkle over the carpets in your home. Allow to set for at least an hour then vacuum.
– Add essential oils to borax/baking soda combo and allow sitting for a few days. Use as a gentle and Eco-friendly cleanser for sinks.
– Make a dryer sheet by sprinkling essential oil on a small piece of flannel or fleece. Keep several of these pieces of fabric sealed in a container and toss in to the dryer when drying clothing for a chemical free fresh scent.
– Use a regular Mason jar band and place it over a light bulb. Add a few drops of essential oil to keep the mood in the household uplifting.
– Spray lavender essential oil to the screens and door frames of your home to help repel flies.
– Use lavender, tea tree or thyme oil in a vaporizer to disinfect your home when colds and flu are going around.
– Use lavender, thyme, or tea tree oil in a spray bottle with water to spray on door knobs and other areas around your home that need to be disinfected.
– If mice are a problem peppermint essential oil on cotton balls should be placed in those areas where they have been seen.
Using Essential Oils for Health
Essential oils are probably best known for their healing properties. The can be used in the following ways, however must not be put directly, undiluted on the body with few exceptions.
Inhalant-Just inhale from the vial, add to a steamer, or place in a pan of steaming water and inhale the steam.
Massage-15-30 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil for therapeutic massage.
Personal care- Add 10 -15 drops to a facial recipe, moisturizer, or witch hazel as a toner. You can also add a few drops to your favorite shampoo.
Essential Oil Specifics
There are literally hundreds of essential oils that do many different things. The list is too expensive to reproduce here. There are several essential oils, and combinations that are classics. Here are some of the most popular and their uses:
Bergamot- Relaxing, uplifting when sniffed. Useful for fighting depression and anxiety.
Eucalyptus- Use as massage oil to reduce fevers and congestion.
Lavender -Rub on the neck for headaches, in facial products to treat acne, as a mood elevator to fight depression.
Peppermint-to fight nausea, mood elevator, calms the nerves
Rosemary-use the scent to alleviate mental fatigue and stay alert when studying or driving.
Sweet Orange- Calming, relaxing, encourages laughter.
Tea Tree Oil- Fights bacterial, viral and fungal conditions. Good for almost any kind of illness.
Ylang Ylang- Aphrodisiac, especially when blended with rose and jasmine in almond oil.
Combinations:
Basil/lavender-Promotes restful sleep
Clary sage/chamomile/
Geranium/lavender/ bergamot- Balances female hormones relieve stress.
Peppermint/lavender/chamomile-Headaches
Carrier Oils/Essential oils -Hair care, perfume, Beard oil
There are many more uses for essential oils. Buying a good guide to essential oil use and studying it is by far the best way to become proficient at managing your health with aromatherapy.
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