I’ve been using Essential Oils for years. I started with basics like Tea Tree Oil as a basic first aid for a cut or burn and Lavender essential oil products to reduce stress after a busy day. I’ve bought many diffusers, made room sprays and cleaning products and applied oils topically to the soles of my feet before bedtime to deepen sleep or support my immune system.
Today oils and diffusers can be found everywhere from Mom’s Organic Market at the Rotunda to Kirkland’s in east Towson. There are so many oil brands and blends, it can be confusing as to what works best and how to use. I’m not an expert, so if you need any additional tips on usage I’d recommend Dr. Josh Axe as a resource. Dr. Axe’s site has recommendations for oil uses for everything from skin health to anxiety to immunity & first aid or for better sleep.
Aromatherapy is simply the use of Essential Oils because by nature they are aromatic. They are used to improve physical, emotional, and mental health. Oils are extracted from the flowers, leaves and bark of plants and are highly concentrated. These oils are made up of very small molecules that penetrate your skin or when inhaled send messages to the brain’s olfactory bulb where they are “interpreted”. Have you ever pealed an orange and started to smile? That’s the essential oil from the peal triggering a mood lifting response that is said to be antidepressant. Other oils like lavender is relaxing and rosemary is energizing. Plus many companies sell “blends” of oils that work together to support a desired effect like Calming, Invigorating, Immunity, Tension or Concentration.
When it comes to obtaining quality essential oils it is important to read the label to insure that the oils are distilled from the plant part that is on the label. True essential oils are 100% natural and should never contain “fragrance”. Also look for oil labels that use the word “Pure” or “Therapeutic.
My favorite way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils is by diffusing them. Most diffusers are ultrasonic made of plastic and use water. The oils can erode the plastic and I found them messy. Plus the water used should be reverse osmosis or distilled. After use I have found an oil residue left since oil and water do not mix, so only a small amount of oil actually gets diffused into the air.
My favorite diffuser is made by Organic Aromas It is a nebulizer that uses hand-blown Pyrex glass and is the only way to disperse pure essential oils without dilution or heat that will alter the therapeutic benefits. It is also much more attractive then plastic diffusers plus so easy to use. I come home from the day, pick oil that suits my mood or “therapeutic need” and in minutes my home smells like a spa. Organic Aromas also has a line of 100% natural and pure essential oils and blends. For 15% off your purchase use SHAREME discount code.
Essential oils are easy to mix with a carrier oil like almond, jojoba or coconut and directly applied to the skin. At the first sign of a cold or illness I rub an immunity blend on the soles of my feet. The oils (cinnamon, clove, lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus) it contains have antiviral and antibacterial properties to support the body’s immune system. To insure a good night’s sleep I’ll diffuse a blend to promote sleep and also rub some lavender on my feet.
Here are some blends you can make at home so you can get started with your essential oil:
Energizing Winter Blues
3 drops Bergamot or Orange 3 drops Orange
2 drops Rosemary 2 drops Bergamot or Grapefruit
2 drops Clary Sage
Stress Relieving
3 drops Clary Sage Concentration
1 drop Lemon 2 drops Peppermint or Rosemary
1 drop Lavender 3 drops Lemon
All Purpose Cleaner Carpet Deodorizer
In a spray bottle mix 1 box baking soda
2c water 3 drops Lavender
2c white vinegar 3 drops Thyme
20-30 drops Lemon or Orange mix, apply to carpet, let sit and vacuum
