What do you know about essential oils?
As a holistic doctor, I’ve realized for a while now that Aromatherapy offers incredible therapeutic effects that soothe both the mind and body.
But their wide spectrum of benefits is a whole lot wider than you might think.
For that reason, I decided to give Ruth (my mother in law) a basket full of essential oils for her birthday.
I always try to give practical, sensible gifts that will help the person in more ways than one.
But, just when I realized how amazing this gift is, I instantly wanted to share it with you too.
Essential oils can be used in many ways and their health benefits can do more than just restore your inner tranquility.
What’s even more amazing about them is that they are extracted from the flowers, stem, leaves, bark, and other parts of a plant.
They are the essence of nature itself.
Here is how you can enjoy their benefits:
- Massage
The therapeutic effects of essential oils combined with massage will not only relax your mind and body, but it will also nurture your skin.
Through gentler circular movements, you’ll help your skin absorb the essential oils and all of their nutrients.
Thus, I think that massage mixed with aromatherapy is the best treatment for anyone because it impacts your overall health and wellbeing.
However, always remember to dilute the essential oils with carrier oils (like almond, avocado, coconut oil, etc.) before applying on the skin because it is highly concentrated and can cause severe irritation.
- Diffusion
By using this technique, you inhale the fragrance of the essential oil which creates a relaxing atmosphere and loosens your tight muscles.
There are many types of diffusers out there, pick one that is to your liking and use it twice a day.
- Baths
An essential oil bath can be quite relaxing.
Moreover, you are combining the benefits of hydrotherapy and aromatherapy as well.
Talk about two in one.
Just add a few drops of your desired essential oil to your bathtub or spa, and get that precious and nourishing feeling.
Normally you should add about seven drops of essential oils to a bath, but if you have a sensitive skin (or have not tried a particular oil) first mix the essential oil with a carrier oil or a small amount of shampoo and then add it to your bath water.
Alternatively, if you don’t have time for a bath, you can apply the essential oil mixed with good carrier oil to your skin for a refreshing sensation.
It keeps your skin soft, smooth, and youthful.
- Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation is another prevalent method of using essential oils.
You can mix five to eight drops of essential oil of one variety or more in a pot of hot water.
Then, sit with the face close to the pot, eyes closed and about 10-12 inches above the pot.
As vapors rise, they get absorbed in a few minutes by the pores in your skin and through your nostrils.
Also you could use a humidifier for the same effect.
Just add a few drops of essential oil in it.
This will help clean and disinfect your airways when you have a cold or stiffy nose.
It’s also extremely beneficial for your face because it opens your pores and disinfects the skin of impurities.
- Household Uses
As I mentioned in the beginning, essential oils have many practicable uses such as:
- When you’re doing laundry, a few drops of essential oil will give the clothes a lovely scent all day long.
- You can use lemon or tea tree oils for your garbage cans from giving off that stinky smell.
- Add 2-5 drops of lemon essential oils directly on a damp sponge to combat bacteria and germs hiding on your countertops.
- Add a drop or two of peppermint and ginger to your car’s central air vent to minimize car sickness. It also doubles as a car freshener.
- Freshen up your carpet or floor by mixing two cups of baking soda and eight drops of your preferred essential oils and sprinkle onto your carpet. Let it sit for around 15 minutes and then vacuum.
The uses of essential oils are many.
You can experiment on your own to find new ones.
Now, what do you think?
Will my dear mother in law like this gift?
What is your experience with essential oils?
Which of their properties do you enjoy the most?
Share with me your thoughts and ideas, I’m really curious to find out more about you.