Aromatherapy is the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science which seeks to explore the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individual's response to aromatic extracts as well as to observe and enhance the individual's innate healing process. As a holistic medicine, Aromatherapy is both a preventative approach as well as an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness or 'dis'-ease.
The purchase of essential oils can be quite an investment so I'd like to share some tips for ways they can be used other than the obvious--added to bath water, massage oil, fragrance diffuser, etc. Below are a few ways you can use my custom-blended synergistic essential oils and single-note essential oils to get a little more bang for your buck:
1. Cologne or body oil - most essential oils--single notes and blends--must be diluted before applied to the body (with the exception of oils that can be used "neat" like lavender and tea tree). The easiest way to dilute the oils would be to add 12 drops of essential oil to 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) of a cold pressed carrier oil like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or avocado oil. Add to a small, glass bottle with a secure lid.
Once you have added the drops of essential oil to your carrier oil of choice, cap the bottle and gently shake until well blended. Apply to your pulse points and let dry before putting on your clothing and jewelry. The oil blend will intensify as it ages and smell even better over time. Always store your oil blends in dark glass bottles in a cool place. Keep out of direct sunlight.
2. Room fragrance - you can use the same dilution ratio above but instead of using a carrier oil, add 12 drops of essential oils and 1 ounce of water to a spray bottle. Spritz the air, your bedding and drapes. You can also use this blend to freshen up dry clothes before ironing. Be sure to shake the bottle well before each use so you don't get globs of oil on your fabrics.
3. Laundry freshener - add 1/2 teaspoon of essential oil blend to your laundry rinse cycle or add 5-6 drops to a clean cloth or a sock and toss it in the dryer with the wet clothes. The heat from the dryer will release the fragrance and infuse your clothes with subtle fragrance.
4. Carpet freshener - add 1/2 teaspoon of essential oil blend to one cup of baking soda, mix thoroughly and sprinkle on your carpet. Let sit for a couple of hours and then vacuum.
5. Car freshener - drop 4-5 drops of oil blend on a cotton ball and put it in a discreet place in the car (my suggestion would be to place it on the floor under one of the seats) or apply 2 drops to those little scent trees we all use--to add a little more fragrance :>).
6. Bug repellent - some of the stronger oils, peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove will do a good job of deterring pesky bugs of the flying or crawling variety. Add essential oil drops to water--using the same dilution ratio in suggestions #1 & 2. Cap the bottle, shake well and spritz yourself, patio furniture, etc. Bugs don't like these oils because they are very strong so you should exercise extreme caution when handling/using these oils.
7. Inhalant - add 1 drop of essential oil or blend to a tissue or handkerchief and gently inhale. Besides using my blends to promote certain moods (Balance, Hope, Happiness, Meditate, etc.) you can use single note oils like peppermint or lavender which works well for headaches and upset stomach, eucalyptus which works well for a stuffy nose and lemon or basil which works well for focus and concentration
In all of the examples above the essential oil blends have been diluted but it is imperative that you still exercise caution when using the oils. Do not use essential oils if you are pregnant without the advice/permission of a doctor. Do not get the oils in your eyes or ingest them orally and be careful when using essential oil blends around the house as they can be harmful to certain surfaces.
Click here to see my available aromatherapy oil blends. More oil blends will be added to the shopping cart soon.
Great post on uses of essential oils.
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