IntroTo Essential Oil
About Essential Oils:
An essential oil is a natural product extracted from a single plant species. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated compounds that have been pressed or distilled from plants. This complex chemistry gives essential oils their therapeutic properties Unlike fixed oils such as vegetable cooking oils, they do not have a fatty or oily component. Called essential because they carry the distinctive fragrance or essence of the plant or plant part from which they are made, these oils are used primarily for aromatherapy, and also for scenting soaps, candles, and other products.
About Aromatherapy
In brief, aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological, physical, mood and spiritual well being. Aromatherapy works on three main levels: through the sense of smell, through absorption and through absorption via skin.
How to Use essential Oils:
Don’t feel overwhelmed or intimidated by how to use essential oils. It’s really easy and a lot of fun!
Following are few ways in which you can start using essential oils
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE: Apply to the skin is one of the most effective and popular way that users can absorb essential oils’ beneficial properties into the body. When you massage a diluted essential oil into your skin, the oil’s therapeutic properties will penetrate the skin. Always dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil generally 1:10 mixture ratio
USE AN OIL DIFFUSER: Diffusion is the process of dispersing essential oil molecules through the air. To diffuse oils, simply fill a diffuser with water until you reach the recommended line on the inside of the diffuser. Place 5-10 drops into the diffuser and turn it on to circulate oil in to your room to create a sense of calm, stimulate the mind, energize the body, encourage restful sleep, neutralize the air, or enhance breathing.
INHALE SIMPLY: Simple smells such as lavender, chamomile, and Sweet orange may help keep you calm and energize. Scientists think they work by sending chemical messages to parts of the brain that affect mood and emotion. Although these scents alone won’t take all your stress away, the aroma may help you relax. Open the bottle of essential oils, hold it up against your nose or place a few drops on a tissue, and take a deep breath to inhale and enjoy
STEAM INHALATION: Boil 2-4 cups of water, pour it into a bowl, and add 2-5 drops of oil to the bowl water. Cover your head and bowl with a towel, and slowly inhale the steam by keeping your nose 12-14 inches away from bowl. Using either relaxing or energizing essential oils can make this method useful any time of the day or night. Stop immediately, if you notice any discomfort or irritation, stop immediately.
BATH: Add 2-5 drops of essential oil to bath water or use with Epsom salts or carrier oil
HOUSEHOLD: Many essential oils contain natural properties that you can use to clean household surfaces. When you choose essential oils, you can replace harsh chemical cleansers with natural cleaning agents or add to water in a spray bottle for room fragrance. In fact, you may be delighted to find out how well they clean, fresh and brighten your home!
Essential Oil Safety
- Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. May irritate skin, do a skin patch test on a small area of skin before using a new oil topically for the first time
- Keep essential oils away from the eyes.
- Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and pets
- If pregnant, lactating or under doctor’s care, consult with your physician
- Essential oils should not be taken internally without guidance by a qualified practitioner
- Consult with an aroma therapist or medical professional before using essential oils on children under two years of age
- Essential oils are highly flammable substances and should be kept away from direct contact with flames, such as candles, fire, matches, cigarettes, and gas cookers.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information and products on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. A decision to use/not use this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate Please see your doctor or health care professional for medical evaluation.
