There are many ways to use essential oils, including:
Inhaling
Inhale the aroma directly from the bottle or use a diffuser or humidifier.
Applying to skin
Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and apply them to the skin. You can also massage a few drops into your pulse points, like your temples or wrists.
Adding to bath
Add a few drops to your bath water to fragrance it. You can also use a bath product that absorbs and disperses essential oils into the water.
Adding to other products
Add a couple of drops to a body wash, shampoo, or household cleaning products.
Ingesting
Put a few drops under your tongue and hold it there for about 30 seconds before swallowing.
My top 3 essential oils:
1. Lavender
Lavender oil is a versatile essential oil that can be used for various purposes. It has antibacterial properties that help fight skin infections, anti-inflammatory effects, and can also help with depression symptoms and stress relief. Moreover, you can combine lavender oil with 2-3 other essential oils without diminishing its effectiveness or that of the other oils.
What it does
According to a 2016 study, lavender oil can inhibit bacterial growth and prevent infections on minor burn wounds and insect bites . The study also found that lavender enhances collagen production, which helps in promoting wound healing.
Lavender is also recognized for its ability to prevent allergic inflammation and reduce mucus build up in the airways, which makes it a favoured oil among individuals with asthma or colds. Its soothing characteristics aid in harmonizing the body and mind, bringing back balance. Additionally, it can assist in inducing sleep and enhancing sleep quality, particularly beneficial for those dealing with insomnia.
How to use
For minor cuts and burns - Mix 3 or 4 drops of lavender oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil then dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Gently dab your cut or burn with the cotton ball to speed up the healing process and prevent infections. Even after it’s healed, this same technique can be used to reduce and even eliminate scarring.
For arthritis and muscle & joint pain - Apply it directly to the injured area with a roll-on bottle, mix with a carrier oil and add it to your bath, or massage the area directly with a lavender and carrier oil blend.
For chest congestion - Fill a bowl or pot with hot water and add a few drops of lavender oil to the water. Then place a towel over your face, bend over the bowl, and take a few deep breaths. This acts as a DIY vapour bowl, delivering the anti-inflammatory agents directly to your lungs.
For calming sleep - Add a few drops to your diffuser before bed or add 1-2 drops to a handkerchief or cotton swab and tuck into your pillow. Either way, you’ll sleep peacefully throughout the night.
Cedarwood
For those facing anxiety or having difficulty achieving inner harmony, cedarwood essential oil is the perfect solution. This oil is widely known for its effectiveness in restoring emotional equilibrium and reducing stress levels. Additionally, cedarwood offers benefits such as skincare, insect repellent, and decongestant properties, making it a versatile essential oil.
What it does
Cedarwood oil possesses calming properties that can reduce stress and anxiety. Its main component, cedrol, acts as a sedative, allowing cedarwood oil to promote better sleep. Additionally, it aids in easing symptoms of the common cold, such as coughing and sore throat.
Moreover, cedarwood oil serves as a natural insect repellent and can be applied to address issues like dry skin, acne, dandruff, and hair loss when combined with a suitable carrier oil.
How to use
For emotional balance - When you need to find inner peace, cedarwood will help you get there. Add a few drops to your diffuser, a warm bath, or massage directly (with a carrier oil of course) into your temples, wrist, and chest to relieve anxious feelings.
For colds and flus - The most efficient way to treat cold and flu symptoms is via inhalation; apply a few drops to your diffuser for an aromatherapy session or add a few drops to a steaming bowl of water and breathe in the steam for a few minutes.
If you’re short on time, mix with a carrier oil and rub the topical application on your chest, neck, and back to absorb the healing properties through your skin.
To keep insects away - Add a few drops of cedarwood oil to your diffuser and set it in your indoor/outdoor space. Or for a homemade bug repellent, mix with a carrier oil and spray onto your skin, especially the exposed areas like your neck, ankles, and wrists.
For skin and scalp - Dilute with your favourite carrier oil and apply directly to the treatment area, whether it’s your skin or scalp. For acne and dry skin, apply and let it sit for 20 minutes before washing it away. For hair growth or another hair condition, pair with a carrier oil and give yourself a scalp massage; you can also add it to your shampoo and conditioner.
Rosemary
Due to its strong and distinctive scent, rosemary is the top choice among essential oils for enhancing cognitive function, boosting memory, and supporting overall brain health. Whether you are preparing for a significant exam, aiming to improve concentration at work, or seeking to maintain your brain's well-being, rosemary is the herb you can rely on to fulfill all these needs.
What it does
Enhancing cognitive function, rosemary essential oil improves memory, concentration, and mental performance. A 2013 study found that inhaling rosemary oil can alter brain wave activities, autonomic nervous system responses, and mood states. This essential oil contains diterpenes, carnosol, and carnosic acid, providing strong antioxidant properties that safeguard the brain against cognitive decline.
How to use
For cognitive performance - Add to a steaming pot of water or your vaporizer to boost your cognitive function and increase alertness. Make it a part of your morning routine or add a diffuser to your home office to make sure you’re always functioning at 100%.
For headaches and stress relief - Mix with a carrier oil and rub directly onto your forehead or temples.
It is important to be careful and aware of the strength of essential oils, particularly when you are new to using them. Young children and older adults may have heightened sensitivity to essential oils, and certain oils such as birch and wintergreen could pose significant risks to children under the age of 6. Unless advised by a paediatrician, it is best to refrain from using essential oils on infants.
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