The use of essential oils can have a positive influence on your personal health and wellness.

Throughout history we have learned that we can harvest smell and oil from plants to enhance psychological and physical well-being.  Essential oil is a volatile aromatic organic compound derived from any part of a plant through a process of depression or distillation (aveda.com).  Because of the process and the organic compound of the oil and the smell our bodies processes the oil better and faster.   

There are many benefits that you can receive from essential oils.  Examples include:

·         Anti-stress,
·         Anti-anxiety
·         Anti-insomnia
·         Reduce stress hormones
·         Reduce feelings of depression
·         Feeling uplifting
·         Healing burns
·         Energize
·         Decrease blood pressure
·         Anti-fungal
·         Decrease adrenaline
·         Acne
·         Decrease muscle soreness
·         Relieve tension
·         Use to calm and balance one’s self
·         Relieve headaches 

There are many ways to use essential oils:

Inhalation
Place 3-4 drops of essential oil on a tissue, cotton ball, your hand or other. Place the tissue near your nose and inhale.

Stream Inhalation
Boil 2 cups of water. Pour the water into a bowl and add 3-7 drops of oil to the water. Use fewer drops if you are using oil that may cause irritation to your mucous membranes (i.e. cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, thyme, cajuput, etc.). Place your nose about 12" away from the bowl and inhale. Don't inhale the steam constantly and if you notice any irritation or discomfort, stop immediately.

Room Freshening
Use the steam inhalation method noted above but don't directly inhale into the bowl. Use up to 10 drops of oil. Use fewer drops if you are using oil that may cause sensitization. Other methods are the use of an aromatherapy diffuser or lamp scent ring available through many aromatherapy companies.

General Household Freshening
Add a few drops of oil to your trash can, laundry wash, drain, vacuum bag filter, or on a tissue for placement in your drawers.

Insect Repellent
Many essential oils including citronella, lavender, and peppermint act as a natural repellent against insects. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil onto tissues or cotton balls and place near your doorways and windows to help repel insects.

Bath
Add 5-7 drops essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil. Add this blend to your running bath water and mix well before getting into the tub.

Other Uses
Essential oils can be used in making homemade lotions, facial toners, shampoos, perfumes, soaps, shower gels, and other natural products.

I hope you find your essential oil.  I love to experiment with them to find the best use for me. I challenge you to research essential oils.  A good website to research is aromaweb.com and aveda.com.

Emily
Massage Therapist
2/13/2012