Using aromatherapy and pure essential oils enhances physical and mental well being. Essential oils can often replace over the counter medications. Aromatherapy uses the sense of smell to enrich our perception of the world around us and can change how we react to different situations. There are some things you should know about aromatherapy and essential oils before you purchase or use this type of therapy.
Purchasing Essential Oils
When you purchase essential oils, make sure that they are 100 percent pure botanical extracts rather than chemical reproductions of a fragrance. The safest bet is to shop in a health food store rather than looking for true essential oils at a chain store. These reproduced ‘fragrances’ will not have the same effect as true essential oils because they are not natural. The label should always say ‘pure essential oil.’ Certain plants cannot have their oils extracted and are not true essential oils; such as apple and peach blossom.
Buy essential oils in very small quantites because the oxygen in partially filled bottles can deteriorate the oil. Don’t worry, a small amount lasts for quite some time. Also be aware that the price for essential oils can vary greatly. Different methods of extracting the oils and the availability of plants can greatly affect the price.
Using Essential Oils
When using essential oils, never apply or use the oil without diluting it. Some essential oils are very potent and can actually cause harm if not diluted. For skin care, you can add essential oil to lotions, other oils such as grapeseed extract or almond oil, or even water. Adding a few drops to a hot bath is perfectly fine, adding oils to water to disinfect surfaces is wonderful, and even adding a few drops to your shampoo can be mood enhancing.
I personally dilute my essential oils in this manner;
Relaxing Bath; I use 8 drops of oil and mix it with one cup of water before adding it to the bath.
Body Lotion; I add between 20-25 drops of oil to 8 ounces of unscented lotion. I love to mix essential oils and create my own scents. My favorite oil to use before bed is lavender.
Massage Oil; I love using grapeseed oil for massages because it’s packed full of antioxidants. I create different scents depending on who I massage. I like to personalize the experience. I add 25 drops to two ounces of oil for most massage sessions.
Air Deodarizer; I add 25 drops of oil to 16 ounces of water and either use a spray bottle to spray unwashable fabrics or let it steam on the stove top to give the entire house the scent I desire. No more wasting money on harsh chemical air fresheners or using aerosol cans. You’ll be happier and so will the planet.
Shampoo and Conditioner; You can actually make your own shampoo and conditioner and it’s better for your hair than what you can buy. Whether you make your own or buy unscented shampoo and conditioner, you can give it any scent you want by adding 12 drops of essential oil. My favorite for a good morning ‘wake me up’ is to use peppermint oil. It gives your scalp that tingly feeling just like expensive salon brands.
Enjoy finding your favorite scents and uses for essential oils.
