Lots of people ask me “how can I use essential oils?” The short answer is “easy-peezy” and the long answer isn’t much longer than that. :o)
Here’s four excellent – and easy – ways to use your essential oils.
- Topically. With most oils, you need to dilute a few drops in carrier oil such as jojoba, almond or coconut. After mixing the essential oil into the carrier oil, you can apply to your skin to address any number of issues such as respiratory, anxiety, pain and digestion.
- Diffusion – meaning you put a few drops of essential oil into a cold mist diffuser and let it permeate your space. When you breathe in the diffused essential oils, they get into your system much quicker. This is a good way to help your space smell really nice and clear out germs, especially if someone has a cold or the flu.
- Clean your house. Seriously! Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Oregano and Lemon essential oils are excellent for cleaning and disinfecting around the house. Just add 5 drops of each oil into an 8 ounce spray bottle, add one tablespoon of Castile soap and fill with white vinegar. Shake it up and spray away! Not only are you cleaning and disinfecting, but you are boosting your immune system at the same time. Who knew?
- Inhalation. Simply open the cap and breathe in the bounty that nature provides.
Something I want to stress here – and this is very important – please always avoid your eyes and ears when using essential oils and never use essential oils directly on children younger than two.
Here are some ideas for using essential oils:
- Add a few drops of Lavender essential oil and a half cup of Epsom salts to your warm bath before you go to bed.
- Have a headache? Combine 5 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Peppermint essential oils in one ounce of Aloe Vera gel and apply to your temples and the back of your neck.
- If you struggle to focus in the afternoon (especially during really l-o-o-n-g meetings), take a few deep breaths of Peppermint essential oil to help you stay alert and focused. If you can, diffuse it into the air and everyone will stay alert – maybe the meeting will end quicker! ;o)
- Tummy ache? Take a two drops of Peppermint and rub directly on your belly. If you have sensitive skin, put the drops of Peppermint into some Aloe Vera gel or unscented lotion and rub on your belly.
- Struggling with depression and anxiety? Put a few drops of Bergamot on a cotton ball and inhale it deeply – or even from the bottle. This is a wonderful oil to diffuse to help relieve stress and it promotes a balanced nervous system.
- Do your gym clothes still smell like the gym even after you’ve washed them? Add 5 drops of Tea Tree oil to your wash to get rid of that “stinky” smell.
The Benefits of Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are so concentrated that you only need a few drops at a time. More is NOT better in this instance. When you use essential oils, you are actually helping your body. Some oils actually boost your immune system, some are amazing anti-bacterials and others can help with coughs, colds, digestive issues and many other areas of daily life. 
If you don’t have regular access to health care, essential oils can help you take control of your well-being.
Cleaning products are so full of toxins, so the next time you are cleaning the bathtub, try this recipe:
DIY Soft Scrubbing Cleanser
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup Castile soap
- 2 TBSP distilled water
- 5 drops each of Lemon, Peppermint and Tea Tree Essential Oils
Mix together well and put in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
As a Precautionary Measure…
If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not use essential oils without first talking to an experienced certified or clinical aromatherapist. You have to assume that all essential oils will cross the placenta and there are some oils that can harm your unborn child or a breast-feeding infant.
The best essential oils that I have found come from a company called Aromatics International (aromatics.com) based in Montana. They get their pure essentials directly from farmers using ethical, sustainable, and organic growing practices.
Hope this helps you get started with essential oils. I would love to help you take charge of your healthcare by incorporating essential oils into your daily life. If you’re still not sure about aromatherapy, read this post which explains how essential oils can help you.
You can email me directly at balance (a) scentedbalance (dot) com or simply fill out the contact form.
As always, I am very grateful you chose to stop by.
Blessings,
Melissa
PS – the above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Please see a qualified medical professional for any and all health issues.