Different Ways To Use Essential Oils Effectively
There are many ways you can bring essential oils into your life. How you use them really depends on what you are using them for, as well as your own personal preference or situation. To be honest it doesn’t really matter how you bring the oils into your life, they will still work effectively to bring balance back to your mind, body and spirit. Do make sure to follow the golden rule however and if using the oils on your skin or in the bath, always dilute them first, and never, ever take the oils internally!
Perhaps one of the best, and most relaxing ways to use essential oils is through Aromatherapy massage. A full body massage is the perfect way to de-stress and soothe tired, achy muscles. The essential oils are absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream where they work with your body to promote balance. Often people think that massages are only suitable for those doing intense sports or manual work, but they really do benefit everyone and should, in my view, be compulsory! The benefits of massage are numerous, it boosts the circulation, helps the body detox, tones and supports muscles and organs as well as supporting emotional health and well being. Bring essential oils into the mix and you have an extremely powerful treatment that will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalised and cared for.
Of course it would be fantastic to have a qualified massage therapist on hand to provide regular treatments, but you can make and use your own massage blend at home. Okay it may not be as relaxing, but the benefits are still numerous. You can use oils of grapefruit, cypress and lavender to create a cellulite-busting massage blend you can massage into your legs, or a simple blend of lavender and orange to have on hand in case of tummy upsets. Why not give yourself a weekly facial massage with frankincense and rose? Using Aromatherapy you can create your own personal spa at home!
These massage blends can also be used effectively in the bath. Just add 1-2 Tablespoons to the water, after the bath has filled. If you add the oils while the tap is running the oils will evaporate more quickly. Having a good, long soak in the tub with essential oils is another relaxing and very easy way to bring Aromatherapy into your life. You can also add 3-4 drops of essential oil to 1-2 Tablespoons of milk before adding to the bath if you didn’t want to use carrier oil, which can become slippery. Of course essential oils can also be used for more specific conditions, so if you were suffering from athlete’s foot you could fill a small tub with hot water and add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil for a more focused treatment.
If you don’t have a bath, don’t despair! Try adding 9-drops frankincense, 6-drops jasmine, 3-drops orange to 20 ml of jojoba oil and 40 ml of coarse sea salt for an indulgent salt scrub. If you have a cold add 4-drops eucalyptus and 3-drops lemon oil to a clean sponge and place in the shower. As the shower steams up, the aroma of the oils will envelop you leaving you feeling refreshed and your sinuses clear! Alternatively use 3-drops clary sage, 3-drops orange and 2-drops lavender for an end of day shower that will encourage deep relaxation and get you chilled out.
Another really simple way to use essential oils is via an Aromatherapy burner or vaporiser. There are many different types of these nifty little devices around, which help to disperse essential oils into the air around you. This not only fragrances your environment, it also allows you to benefit from the healing properties of the oils through inhalation. Tea tree, eucalyptus and lavender are great choices to use especially when cold and flu season kicks in, as they have anti-viral and anti- bacterial properties and will help prevent the spread of germs. If you’re studying for an exam burning rosemary can help you stay focused and alert, alternatively a combination of lavender and orange will promote deep relaxation and restful sleep.
If using an Aromatherapy burner isn’t ideal, you can always make a simple spray using essential oils and distilled water. Of course every time you use the spray you will need to shake the bottle to ensure the oils have blended with the water. These sprays can be used to scent your home, repel insects, purify your environment and clean the house! This is a safer and more natural approach then using over-the-counter products full of chemicals. Even oils used to repel insects can have a calming, invigorating or grounding effect on our emotions. This is what is so wonderful about Aromatherapy; it works on many different levels!
Essential oils can also be inhaled via steam treatments, where 3-4 drops of oil are added to a large bowl of recently boiled water. This is particularly helpful for anyone suffering from sinus problems, colds, coughs or sore throats. This gets the oils directly into the system so they can get to work straight away! This can be quite intense, however, so do make sure to use no more than 3-4 drops of essential oil as they can burn the mucous membranes and sting the eyes. If you’re at the office and having a steam inhalation isn’t really appropriate, you can simply add 2-3 drops of oil on a tissue and waft it under your nose throughout the day.
It couldn’t be easier to bring essential oils into your everyday life, and using them will definitely make your everyday life feel more special!
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