Essential oils have been around a long time, but recently they have been getting a lot of attention. Many people are wondering about essential oils. What are they? What can they do for me? If essential oils are outside of your experience you probably wonder how these products are being used. The benefits of these precious oils can be accessed or applied in different ways. Here are some of the most common methods of utilizing essential oils.
- Aromatherapy: This is the category you are probably most familiar with, and it is a big one. Aromatherapy addresses a wide range of conditions and there are many books written on just this factor. The most common methods for integrating essential oils in aromatherapy is by using a diffuser, of which there are various types, like ceramic, candle, electric, ultrasonic, reed, diffusers, and lamp rings. All these methods have their own benefits. Oils can also be enjoyed through simple inhalation, oil infused steam, or just adding a drop to a cotton ball and allowing the essence to fill the room
- Skin Care: These are commonly used in skin care, but this must be done carefully. These are very concentrated materials and direct contact with the skin could result in painful burns. A carrier oil is recommended to dilute the oil, never water. Popular methods of applying essential oils to the skin are, adding it to soaps, facial cleansers, toners, and masks. Please research the procedure before you try. Different oils have different properties and effects.
- Cleaning: They commonly have antimicrobial properties which provide a natural organic solution to chemical cleaners. Essential oils can be used in every home, and with different benefits. Citric oils are a good degreaser and are useful in the kitchen. You can make a toilet cleaner by adding tea tree oil to vinegar and baking soda. Carpets and furniture can be freshened up as well, and a diffuser will help disinfect the air in living areas.
If you are interested in using these, the best way to learn about them is purchase a few and try some recipes. Be very careful not to touch them directly to skin or to get them in your eyes. Some of the most popular essential oils are: Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree, Bergamot, Eucalyptus and YlangYlang. Read up on these and choose a few to get started on your new healthy and holistic lifestyle.
