It really wasn’t too long ago that I renewed my interest in essential oils. They were known to me for a long time now, but as with most things in life, their goodness just got pushed to the sides. Nothing could be wronger! (Even if it’s not a word.)
As in my first blog post here on Live Simply Love Knitting, Introducing Essential Oils, I talk about some of the most popular essential oils and all they can do for us. It’s true, aside from smelling wonderful, essential oils have qualities and properties that are so GOOD for us!
Most of the time, essential oils get ignored.
Isn’t that too bad? Maybe it’s because of the crazy, go-go-go world we live in, maybe we feel there isn’t one more minute in the day to squeeze in ANOTHER thing to think about it; I don’t know. Or maybe you think you know what essential oils are all about.
It doesn’t matter.
Read all you can about them because they can really make a difference.
For instance, I suffer with terrible allergies. I have all of my life, and sneezing is just a way of life on some days. Usually that happens when I wake up with a killer headache. Have you ever had one of those?
This is a sinus headache, one that feels as if it’s right in the middle of my face. I can feel my sinuses hurting in different spots here and there. Nothing, not ibuprofen or acetaminophen, makes it any better. But there is something that gives me INSTANT relief.
Essential oils.
I dab a little lavender essential oil onto my temples and behind my ears and within five minutes, the PAIN IS GONE! That’s no coincidence. That’s the power of an essential oil going to work. And the pain stays away, not returning. 🙂
There are so many ways to use essential oils that I can’t possibly list them all here, but can give you some resource information so you can see for yourself.
But, before I do that, just remember that with essential oils you can
- Apply them to your skin
- Inhale them
- Take them internally
How to use essential oils
Whichever application method you choose to use, remember they are always specific to the essential oil you’re using and the desired effect. Not every oil is used in the same way.
Once you have the essential oil of your choice, now it becomes a matter of putting that oil to good use the best way. For instance,
- For mood enhancement, use a diffuser or inhale directly. You may also apply directly to your skin.
- Healing of wounds involves topical applications.
- When bathing, use oils directly in bath water, or diffuse.
Things to remember
Important! Not all essential oils can be used in the same way!
Not all essential oils are made for direct contact on your skin. Some, like lavender or peppermint CAN be applied to your temples, neck, arms or feet. Other oils need a carrier oil to be included with them. Carrier oils
Inhaling essential oils
You can inhale essential oils in several different ways:
Diffuser: essential oils are put in the diffuser, sometimes with water, then their beautiful aroma will fill your home for a few hours.
Spray: you can make a spray by adding essential oils to a spray bottle filled with water, then you can spray your rooms, linens or upholstery.
Steam inhalation is wonderful for those times when colds or upper respiratory infections set in. Add drops of essential oil to steaming water, place a towel over your head and inhale deeply. Keep your eyes closed, but enjoy the true goodness of inhaling that essential oil. For children under 7 years of age, it’s not recommended, and for kids older than 7, they can use sunglasses or goggles to protect their eyes. Try eucalyptus oil for this treatment.
Humidifier: by adding a few drops of an essential oil such as peppermint or eucalyptus to your cool air humidifier, you’ll create a better breathing environment.
Topical use of essential oils
Most essential oils can be applied to the skin using different techniques. Some can be applied directly, but most can NOT be applied directly to the skin.
To use a carrier oil with your essential oil, use one teaspoon of a carrier oil to 3 drops of pure essential oil.
Ways to apply topically include:
Baths: some of the milder essential oils include lavender, rose, eucalyptus, clary sage, frankincense and geranium oils. 5 to 10 drops will do nicely, and add 1/2 to 1 cup of salt to your bathwaters, too.
Compresses: use 10 drops of oil in 4 oz. of hot water. Soak the cloth, wring out and apply to the effected area. This works great on muscle strains, bruises and wounds.
Massage: drops of your favorite essential oil are added to a carrier oil and applied to your skin with gentle rubbing. Use 1 drop of essential oil in one teaspoon of a carrier oil.
Essential oils taken internally
FYI: MOST essential oils are not to be taken internally. But, there are some that are perfectly safe for you.
These include:
- Lemon. Use lemon oil in your water every day. It’s safe and delicious.
- Grapefruit. Using grapefruit oil will curb your appetite.
- Peppermint. This essential oil is great for when your stomach is upset. Ugh! Try just a drop in water.
You can use these essential oils with a glass of water or a teaspoon of honey. Or put a drop directly under your tongue, like peppermint.
There is also an essential oil blend called Thieves Blend, which should be in your home all year long, but especially when the seasons turn colder. Thieves Blend comes in a spray, drops or in capsule form, so you know you’ll always be protected. This is an AMAZING combination of five essential oils;
Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary oils. There is a wonderful story attached to the Four Thieves spray, too. I’ve used this every winter, and never get sick! It’s amazing. No, actually, it’s
essential oils!
Some precautions to think about
There aren’t many, but it’s always best to be safe!
- Use only 1-2 drops when first using essential oils.
- Use pure and therapeutic grade oils ONLY.
- If pregnant, consult your doctor.
- You have common sense. Use it with essential oils.
- Don’t use internally for children under the age of 6. They don’t need it anyway.
There you have it! SAFE ways to use your essential oils every day. Because you should be using essential oils all the time. Make them a part of your daily regimen, just like brushing your teeth or showering.
Essential oils are incredible,
and you’ll soon discover how important they are in your everyday life!
Because you desire
“Homekeeping Inspirations for Crafting Your Best Life!”
