Essential Oil Uses
One of the greatest things about essential oil uses is their versatility and easiness of using, especially in aromatherapy.
Oftentimes, their usage can be tricky because lack of know-how which can do harm sometimes, and that is why safety is very important when using essential oils.
Everybody should be aware that an incredible amount of health power is packed up in those little tiny oily drops, and since essential oils are very powerful, they need to be diluted before use.
There are easy and popular methods of using essential oils, and which one you’ll choose depends only on your particular requirements.
And of course, if you want to really experience the benefits and versatility of aromatherapy – you should eventually try it.
Massage Oil
Massage has been for centuries one of the best ways to enjoy aromatherapy.
By getting a massage, you receive all the healing properties coming from the oils, and you also get to enjoy the wonderful and stimulating benefits of the massage treatment itself (your organs, skin, muscles, nerves and glands).
You can either choose just one essential oil, or few different ones that are suitable for your own particular needs.
Add them to your carrier using a total of 5 drops to 10 ml (1 tablespoon) of carrier oil or lotion.
In case you have a sensitive skin, use only 3 drops of oil to every 10 ml of carrier.
Essential Oils For Foot Bath
Foot-baths are really beneficial after having long walks or heavy exercising periods.
Comforting oils such as Vetiver oil, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Rose, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Sweet Marjoram or Rosemary, can really help to ease away aches and pains.
A soothing and refreshing aromatherapy foot-bath, by using just a few drops of each cooling and refreshing Peppermint, Rosemary and Lavender oil, will bring a blissful relief to your feet.
You only need 3-4 drops of essential oil and they will do all the magic.
Bathtub Treatment
There is nothing better than a warm soothing bath at the end of the day, and adding few relaxing oils such as Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram or Sandalwood – makes it a truly blissful experience.
In case you want a morning kick and fresh start of the day, you can use stimulating oils such as eucalyptus, lemongrass or rosemary.
Using essential oils for bath is the easiest way to absorb fully their benefits.
How to use them
Add 5-7 drops in a bath and disperse them evenly before getting into your bath.
While relaxing in a warm tub, you inhale all the aromatic molecules coming from the essential oils, which in return penetrate the skin.
It is simply an irresistible experience.
Please note that when using several essential oils together in a bath, make sure you don’t exceed a total of 8 drops, and that citrus oils can be mildly irritating to a more sensitive skin.
To avoid such unpleasant situations, it is recommended to use no more than 3 drops.
Bathing can be particularly helpful if used in combination with massage oils, but always take a bath first, and then apply the massage oil and enjoy its benefits fully.
Also avoid very hot baths, as this can cause weakness or dizziness in some cases.
Essential Oils As Pain Relievers
Essential oils can be highly effective method for both pain relief and emergency first aid.
The oils resulting from centuries-old technique of distillation, may improve physical, emotional and mental well-being for many.
As each type of oil has its own unique scent and benefits, they can be used individually, or as blends.
Researchers have found evidence that some oils may treat symptoms of certain conditions such as:
- inflammation
- headaches
- depression
- sleep disorders
- respiratory problems
Of course, more research is needed to fully understand how essentials oils can work for pain management.
Although there’s generally no harm in adding essential oils to your current pain management plan, they might allow you to reduce dosages of prescriptions used.
For relieving chronic pain use a hot compress, muscle aches, period cramps etc, and use a cold compress for reducing swelling, sprains and headaches.
Inhalation
This healing method is used for centuries to help all respiratory tract problems, and it is a highly effective way to deliver essential oils into your system.
Steam inhalation involves combining essential oils with hot water, in order to create therapeutic steam needed.
Indirect Method
- Fill a large bowl with almost boiling water
- Add 3-7 drops of your individual oil, or mixed blend
- Close your eyes, lean over the bowl and breathe slowly and deeply for about 2 minutes until relief is felt
- Place a large towel over the head and ensure it surrounds the bowl entirely to help direct the vapors
- Keep your eyes closed to prevent eye irritation
If you suffer from blocked sinuses or congestion during winter, you will find that using Menthol, Peppermint, Lemon, Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree Oil, Clove or Rosemary in your vaporizer – can bring tremendous nasal relief.
Direct Method
Direct inhalation refers to inhaling the essential oil right from the bottle. You may also add a drop of oil to a handkerchief, cotton ball or inhaler tube, and breathe in.
Vaporizers and Burners
These devices enables to use essential oils effectively to clear stale cooking odors in the kitchen, clear a stuffy nose, ease a tickle cough, or create a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere anywhere in the home.
The natural antiseptic properties of certain oils are beneficial through illnesses period, enabling to kill airborne bacteria by preventing further spread of infections.
You can either choose from traditional candle-powered burners, or modern temperature controlled electric models.
As diffusers disperse essential oils throughout the air, they dilute before being inhaled which makes this is as a less potent method of inhalation.
Essential Oils For Gargling
Sore throat can happen anytime of the year for a variety of reasons, and essential oils can be used as first aid help.
Most used oils for the matter are:
- Peppermint oil
- Lemon oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Oregano oil
- Clove oil
- Hyssop oil
- Thyme oil
- Juniper berry oil
Many essential oils can be ingested by the mouth, however, it is critical to make sure that the oils you use are safe and pure.
Many oils on the market may be diluted or blended with synthetics that are unsafe for ingesting.
By using essential oils in a gargle, you can directly have the essential oils come into contact with the problematic area.
Gargling: Simply add one to two drops of essential oil to half a glass of mildly warm water and gargle for a minute or two.
Do not swallow the mixture after gargling.
Essential Oils Safety(Risk And Warnings)
When used appropriately, essential oils and aromatherapy products are safe for the entire family.
But, some common sense precautions should be observed when using essential oils since they are already highly concentrated.
Always use caution when trying a new essential oil.
Never apply essential oils directly to the skin.
Some people can be allergic to some essential oils and it is good if you do a patch test. To do it, mix 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil with an ounce of carrier oil .
Apply a bit of this mixture to a normal looking skin of your forearm, about the size of a dime. If no reaction in 24 to 48 hours it should be safe to use.
Talk to your doctor before use if you:
- are pregnant
- are nursing
- have an existing medical condition
- wish to use essential oils on children or older adults
Be sure that you:
- do not apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin except in an emergency (to cuts, burns or insect bites)
- keep away undiluted essential oils from the eye area, children and pets
- never use undiluted oils on children under the age of 3
- perform a skin patch test to check for any irritation or inflammation
- avoid applying essential oils to sensitive areas, such as around your eyes or near open wounds
- discontinue to use if you experience any irritation or discomfort
- never ingest an essential oil
Potential side effects of using essential oils include:
- skin irritation
- skin inflammation
- sun sensitivity
- allergic reaction
Flammability
Many essential oils are flammable, so never use or put your bottles of essential oil near a naked flame, fire, or any source of ignition.
And of course, make sure they are put always on a safe place.
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