Aromatherapy: 5 Common Essential Oils & 7 Simple Tips

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to help a wide variety of issues including physical issues, to help alleviate psychological ailments, for cosmetic purposes, and to reduce stress. The essential oils of aromatherapy have the power to enhance both your physical and mental states.

Essential oils are extracted from living plants and trees. When essential oils are used appropriately, most can be used at home safely, enjoyably, and with beneficial effects.  Most essential oils are more beneficial when applied with a carrier oil such as almond, coconut or jojoba or grapeseed.  Here is a short list of essential oils that I personally use neat.  Use at your own discretion.  I would suggest trying a patch test on your skin with 1 drop of the essential oil before applying more.  Check for any indication that you might have an adverse reaction.

Frankincense

Renowned as one of the most prized and precious essential oils, Frankincense has extraordinary internal and external health benefits.As the king of oils, Frankincense has been known to promote cellular health and immunity and could be used for many benefits. Frankincense has also been known for supporting a healthy response in the body and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems, helping them function optimally. When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense induces feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.

USES
•Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening or working to help your hands feel energized and feeling great.
•Can help promote youthful, radiant–looking skin and slow the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of skin imperfections.
•Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to help you feel relaxed and more balanced.
•Dry weather can take a toll on your nails. Try applying a drop of Frankincense to strengthen fingernails.

*Source: http://bit.ly/ZdPxVW

Lavender

Lavender has been used and cherished for centuries for its unmistakable aroma and myriad of therapeutic benefits. In ancient times, the Egyptians and Romans used Lavender for mummification, bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume. Now…your not going to mummify anyone are you  Lavender is frequently used as a soother for skin irritations and helping skin recover from issues quickly. Applying Lavender to the back of the neck and temples may helps reduce muscle tension. Inhaling Lavender promotes relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, making it an ideal oil to diffuse at bedtime and when stress levels are high. Due to Lavender’s versatility and soothing properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times.

USES

• Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet for a restful night’s sleep.
• Keep a bottle of Lavender on hand for minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.
• Freshen your linen closet, mattress, car, or the air by combining Lavender with water in a spray bottle.
• Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck to ease muscle tension.
• Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts.

*Source: http://bit.ly/1sYwYfz

Peppermint

Test, test, test with this one.  And remember….NO EYES!!!!  Keep those fingers away.  It could burn.  Also when using peppermint remember that it has a cooling affect and that is not something some people enjoy.  Peppermint is great though, used to help your body naturally alleviate the symptoms of a headache, it helps the body to calm an upset tummy (add to your tea), it also helps to bring natural cooling to the body. A high menthol content—like that found in the dōTERRA Peppermint essential oil—distinguishes the best quality Peppermint from other products. 

USES

•Use a drop of Peppermint with Lemon in water for a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse.
•Rub on the stomach or take internally for occasional digestive discomfort.
•Add a drop of Peppermint to your chocolate Trim Shake for a yummy twist.
•Rather than grabbing an unhealthy snack mid-afternoon, re-energize by applying Peppermint to the palms of hands and deeply inhaling.

*Source: http://bit.ly/1rv1kKa

Melaleuca

More commonly known as “Tea Tree,” Melaleuca essential oil has over 92 different chemical compounds and limitless applications.  I have used this neat on my skin a few times with no problems, but I highly encourage you to use small amounts and do a patch test first. Melaleuca has been known to be good for many skin conditions including athlete’s foot, acne, insect bites, and rough skin. Melaleuca is has been known for its purifying properties. It has been known to be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails and to promote a clear, healthy complexion.  Melaleuca can be used on surfaces throughout the home to protect against environmental threats. Diffusing Melaleuca will help purify and freshen the air.

USES

•For occasional skin irritations, apply 1–2 drops of Melaleuca essential oil onto affected area.
•Combine 1–2 drops with your facial cleanser or moisturizer for added cleansing properties, or apply to skin after shaving to prevent razor burn.
•Apply to fingernails and toenails after showering to purify and strengthen nails.
•Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use on surfaces to protect against environmental threats.

*Source:  http://bit.ly/1uHJimB

Oregano

Oregano is one of the most potent and powerful essential oils and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its cleansing and immunity properties. The primary chemical components of Oregano are carvacol and thymol, both in the phenols group, which possess purifying and antioxidant properties.  Due to its high phenol content, caution should be taken when inhaling or diffusing Oregano.  One drop daily could help maintain healthy immune function; Oregano could be used more frequently when seasonal threats are high or as needed to further boost immunity.

USES

• Use one drop daily to boost immunity when seasonal threats are high.
• Rub Oregano essential oil and Fractionated Coconut Oil on the bottom of your feet to help boost your immune system.
• Put one drop in place of dried oregano in spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or on a roast.
• Put 10 drops in a 16-ounce spray bottle with water for a surface spray.
• Mix one to two drops with water and gargle to soothe an irritated throat.

*Source: http://bit.ly/1rkSsoL

Our family only uses doTERRA CPTG Essential Oils, they are what I trust to be organic and ethically grown/harvested and as pure as they can possibly be.  It’s what I feel safe using for me and my family. If you would like more information on doTERRA CPTG Essential Oils click—–>HERE!

Important Points to Remember:

1.  Start with a small amount and remember to do that patch test.

2.  Essential oils are flammable, so use extreme caution around flames and heat sources. If you use a burner to diffuse the oil, put water in the burner first. The essential oil will enter the air as the water evaporates.

3.  Essential oils are for external use only UNLESS specifically stated on the bottle that it is OK. I use doTerra essential oils and some of them you ARE able to ingest.  **Please verify your essential oil before using internally**

4.  Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and animals.

5.  If you want to use essential oils during pregnancy, on babies, or with young children, please seek the advice of a trained, qualified aromatherapist first.

6.  If you are using essential oils as part of homeopathic or herbal medicine treatment, get advice from homeopathic or herbal medicine practitioners as well as from an aromatherapist.

(7) Some medical conditions require a doctor’s care, and not all medical conditions benefit from aromatherapy. Always check with your doctor first before undertaking aromatherapy for the treatment of any medical condition.

Following these seven common sense tips for safe aromatherapy, will help your experience with aromatherapy to be both enjoyable and beneficial.

Which essential oil is your favorite?

Do you take essential oils internally?

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Medical Disclaimer:

Nothing in this post is to be construed as medical advice, simply a sharing of things that have worked for me & my family. If you have any symptoms of serious illness, taking medication, pregnant or nursing, or have never worked with herbal materials or essential oils before, please consider consulting a medical professional before use. I am unable to offer advise for your particular medical situation; please ask your Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Naturopath for further guidance.  The statements made here have not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act.