The aroma of a fresh squeezed lemon is a great way to uplift your mood, but what if you don’t have any lemons handy? Lemon essential oil is a great alternative. Whether in an oil diffuser freshening up the room or a quick roll of oil on your skin, essential oils have found a place in our hearts and noses too!
Intrigued but a newbie to essential oils? No worries my friend, it’s really easy to get started. Below is a quick guideline on the different ways to use essential oils and it’s fun to try out the myriad available fragrances. Before you know it, you’ll be hooked.
Indulge in the Air
Electronic diffusers disperse a very fine mist of essential oils diluted in water, filling your room with a wonderful aroma. Available in a variety of styles and sizes, it’s easy to find one that complements your décor.
Getting Steamy
Great for relaxing or energizing, just add 2-4 drops into a bowl of boiling water. Leaning over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, inhale and enjoy. Be sure to keep some distance between you and the bowl to avoid nose irritation or discomfort.
A Quick Fix
In need of a quick revitalization? Grab a tissue, place 3-4 drops on it and breathe it in. If no tissues are handy, placed 1-2 drops on the palm of one hand then rub your palms together. A handy tip – don’t do this right before you get into the car as the fragrance can adhere to your steering wheel.
Close Up and Personal
One of my favorite ways to use essential oils is to apply them to my skin. Being fat soluble, the skin absorbs them quite readily. It is important to create a mix of the essential oil and a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or apricot kernel oil. A good rule is 1 fluid ounce of the carrier oil to 12 drops of the essential oil. Just roll on or dab the combination on your feet, wrists, temples or even behind the ears.
Ready To Unwind
There’s no better way to end the day than a soak in a hot bath. Add in some fragrant essential oil and you’re in heaven. Ok, a glass of wine will up that game even more. As we know, oil and water don’t mix so grab that box of Epson salt, put a bit in a bowl, stir in your essential oil and add to the hot bath water – voila!
There is so much that can be gained from the use of essential oils. Enjoy experimenting with the different scents and benefits each can bring. Be sure to take note of any safety notices on the bottle and be aware that they may differ from brand to brand.
10 Essential Oils for Beginners
1. Lavender
The Calming Oil: Use on irritated skin, for muscle tension, headaches, to calm and relax the mind, to reduce stress and to promote restful sleep.
2. Peppermint
The Cooling Oil: Use for respiratory issues, digestive discomfort, pain, headaches, fevers, acid reflux and to flavor food.
3. Lemon
The Detox Oil: Use for sore throat, seasonal discomfort, balancing PH levels, gout, kidney stones and to uplift mood.
4. Melaleuca
The First Aid Oil: Use for cuts and scrapes, acne, dandruff, lice and fleas, athlete’s foot, insect bites, rashes, earaches and pink eye.
5. Frankincense
The Universal Oil: Use for skin conditions, headaches, relaxation, depression, anxiety, trauma, wounds, scars and thyroid issues.
6. Oregano
The Immune Support Oil: Use for viruses, infections, fungi, colds and flu, mold, ulcers, parasites, warts, melanomas and MRSA.
7. Clary Sage
Use for depression, anxiety, hot flashes, stress, balancing hormones, inflammation, PMS, cramps, infertility and to uplift mood.
8. Lemongrass
Use for diarrhea, H pylori, tendonitis, nerve pain, carpal tunnel, muscle aches, sore ligaments, candida and anti-perspirant.
9. Eucalyptus
Use for coughs, asthma, congestion, respiratory issues, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies, pneumonia, joint pain and hot flashes.
10. Helichrysum
Use for scars, scrapes, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, tissue repair, acne, stretch marks, hematomas and liver problems.
