Today there is much attention given to natural remedies for common issues. Essential oils, Himalayan bath salts and and others are regaining the popularity that they once had in the past. For example, essential oils have been documented since antiquity. Credit has been given to early Egyptians who used essential oils for cosmetics, perfumery, and embalming purposes. Peppermint, Sandalwood, Citronella, Lavender, Patchouli, Lemongrass, Tea Tree and eucalyptus, etc. are just a few examples of the oils that they used.
What Are the Best Ways to Use Essential Oils?
Good question! Essential oils are commonly used in:
- Perfumes
- Botanical oils are used in some culinary applications to enhance flavors. For example, lavender essential oil works well with dessert recipes. According to the experts, a drop or two is sufficient.
- Used for massage and other therapeutic body treatment by aromatherapists
- These oils are used in various treatment strategies by naturopaths
- Various dermatological problems are being treated by mainstream doctors
- Studies have shown that a number of essential oils are effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression, hysteria, panic attacks, apathy and a number of psychological problems.
- Used to add scents to candles
- Soaps and hair products allow for the quick healing of cuts and bruises and other scalp problems such as dandruff
Choose the Right Oils for You
With hundreds of botanical oils around, you will surely be able to find one that is right for you. Different people have different preferences for essential oils but it’s a fact that there are oils which are fitted for use for a specific end-user. In choosing the type of botanical oil that is perfect for you, you may consider the following recommendations below:
Know yourself. Essential oils have characteristic effect on your body. It may help stimulate your senses if you are depressed or emotionally down or help you calm down after a stressful moment. In any case, an expert aromatherapist will be able to help you decide which essential oils are best for you.
Skin Type. Some people are allergic to essential oils and may cause them to suffer biological aversion to aromatic scents. There are botanical oils that are perfect for a specific skin types, allowing some people to use a specific scent more than another.
Scent Extension. Some aromatic, herbal plants contain a measly amount of essential oils. In fact, it takes more than 8 million flowers of jasmine in order to produce a measly 2 pounds of jasmine essential oils. Some are diluted with Geranium oil or sweet almond oil in order to somewhat extend their fragrance. They do not diminish the scent of the jasmine but theoretically, increasing its usability.
Popular Essential Oils
Chamomile. Useful for skin sensitivity conditions and allergies, relaxing and relieves pain. For dry skin
Geranium. Used for various fungal infections and other skin problems. Effective for repelling insects. For dry skin
Rose oil. This oil has a mild antiseptic ingredient. It decongests clogged nose, ease sore throat and sinusitis, and effective for insomniacs.
Lavender. Relaxing and loosen up pain caused by bruises, cuts and insect bits (analgesic effect).
Sandalwood. Due to its moisturizing and antiseptic properties, this essential oil is effective both for individuals with normal or dry skin. It has an extraordinary calming effect and is best used in meditation (yoga).
Jasmine. This oil activates your senses. It makes your body come alive after a saddening moment (anti-depressant). Effective for dry skin.
Make essential oils a staple in your home’s medicine cabinet. It’s a versatile and useful gift from the floral kingdom. Use them wisely and often.
Sources:
- Cooking with Essential Oils, DrEricZ.com
- Six Aromatherapy Essential Oils for Stress Relief and Sleep, PsychologyToday.com
- Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Disease, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/article
- Diluting Essential Oils, fromnaturewithlove.com