What are Essential
Oils?
An
essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam
or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a
plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not
really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such
as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.
Essential
oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils
are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.
How Do I Use Essential
Oils Safely?
Aromatic (with
diffuser or vaporizer)
The sense of smell is
a tool that can elicit powerful physiologic, mental, and emotional responses.
Essential oils are quickly absorbed by the smell receptors, which have a direct
link to the limbic system by way of the olfactory nerve. The limbic system is
part of the brain that supports a variety of functions including smell,
emotions, behavior, and memory. For this reason, essential oils have an especially
powerful effect via aromatic application.
Some essential oils
induce uplifting or invigorating effects, while others are more calming.
Diffusion is one of the simplest methods for using essential oils aromatically.
Diffusers that use cold air or water are ideal. However, using essential oils
aromatically does not require any special diffusing devices.
You can achieve the
same health benefits by simply placing a few drops of essential oil in the palm
of your hand that is then cupped around the nose as you breathe deeply.
Additional aromatic
uses For Essential Oils Include:
·
Apply oil to a cotton
ball and place in the air vents of your vehicle
·
Mix oils in a spray
bottle with water and mist over furniture, carpet, or linens
·
Add oil to a batch of
laundry or to dryer sheets
·
Use in household
surface cleaners
Topical
(External use)
Topical application is
a very effective method for applying essential oils. Because essential oils
have low molecular weights and are lipid soluble, they easily penetrate the skin.
Once absorbed, they stay in the applied area for a localized benefit.
Although essential
oils are readily absorbed, there are many ways to increase absorption. Using a
light massage will increase the blood flow to the area of application, in turn improving
distribution throughout the body. Use of a carrier oil can also increase
absorption, especially in skin that is dry or flaky as it helps moisturize the
skin and slow evaporation of the oil.
To decrease the
likelihood of developing a skin sensitivity, especially on young or sensitive
skin, it is advisable to use a carrier oil (such as Fractionated Coconut Oil)
to dilute more potent oils and when trying an oil for the first time. The
recommend dilution ratio is typically one drop of essential oil to three drops
of carrier oil.
It’s always advisable
to use several small doses throughout the day rather than a single large dose.
Start with the lowest possible dose (1–2 drops). A topical dose can be repeated
every 4–6 hours as needed. Because every individual is unique, the dose will
vary for each individual based on size, age, and overall health status.
Beneficial Areas You
Can Apply Essential Oils
·
Neck
·
Forehead and temples
·
Chest and abdomen
·
Arms, legs, bottom of
feet
Other Effective
Methods of Topical Application
·
Add a few drops of oil
to a warm bath
·
Make a hot or cold
compress by soaking a towel or cloth in water, adding essential oils, and then
applying to the desired area
·
Add oil to a lotion or
moisturizer and then apply to skin
Sensitive Areas to be
Avoided:
·
Some facial areas,
such as the skin around the eyes
·
Eyes and inner ears
·
Broken, damaged, or
otherwise injured skin
Benefits of Essential
Oils
Tea Tree Essential Oil :
·
Hand Sanitizer
·
Insect Repellent
·
Natural Deodorant
·
Antiseptic for Minor Cuts
and Scrapes
·
Boost Wound Healing
·
Fight Acne
·
Get Rid of Nail Fungus
·
Soothe Skin
Inflammation
·
Control Dandruff
·
Treat Athlete’s Foot
Orange Essential Oil :
·
Skin Cleansing and
Anti-Aging
·
Promotes Good
Digestion
·
Antidepressant
·
Antiseptic
·
control acne
Eucalyptus Essential
Oil :
·
Helps to relieve
stress and pain
·
Room freshener
·
Heal wounds
·
Hair Nourishment
·
Spot Remover
Lemongrass Essential
Oil :
·
Headache Relief
·
Joint Pain
·
Wound Treatment
·
Control Acne
·
Overcome Fatigue
Wheat Germ Oil :
·
Eye Makeup Remover
·
Add in Cleaning
Routine
·
Add to anti wrinkle
cream
·
Anti-Aging Benefits
·
Rejuvenate your skin
Facial
Mists (Hydrosols)
A hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains
after producing an essential oil via steam or water distillation. Some plants
are specifically distilled for the resulting hydrosol instead of the hydrosol
being simply a byproduct of a distillation.
·
Maintain skin's pH
balance
·
Hydrates, Revitalizes
and Moisturizes the skin, and makes it smooth
·
Cools the Skin and
give Freshness
·
Helps to tone the skin
Three
Fragrances in Facial Mists :
1.
Rose
2.
Lavender
3.
Jasmine
Safety Guidelines
Here are some safety
guidelines for using essential oils:
·
Always Dilute
Essential oils with carrier oils like Coconut, Almond, Sesame etc.
·
Keep out of reach of
children
·
Citrus oils are
photo-sensitizing and may cause rash or dark pigmentation when exposed to sun
·
Keep away from eyes
·
Pregnant women should
consult a physician before use
·
People with allergies
should first do a skin test
·
Apply Coconut oil if
you feel irritation on the area where essential oil is applied to reduce the
effect of oil.
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