There are so many beautiful essential oils out there, each with their own unique qualities. Some are pungent, some are sweet, floral, citrusy – the list goes on and on! But besides enjoying their lovely smell from time to time, how else can we incorporate these oily beauties into our every day lives? There are many ways to do this but, here are 5 great ways to make your essential oil dreams come true! I’m all about taking the all-natural approach as much as possible! Whether it’s healing a headache, body pains, fatigue – essential oils have tons of juicy benefits for everyone.
5 Ways to Use Essential Oils
1. Diffusion
Diffusing oils throughout the day is an amazing way to uplift your mood in the morning, boost your energy and focus during work hours, and relax at bedtime. Stimulating oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or basil are great for work or study and uplifting oils like lemon (one of my favs!), wild orange or bergamot are great if you need an energy boost. When it’s time to wind down for bed, try relaxing and sedative oils like lavender (my ALL-time fav!), chamomile, geranium, or ylang ylang. You can purchase diffusers of all shapes and sizes – smaller ones for your desk or diffusers that cover a large space. There are several types available out there to suit your needs!
2. Inhale
Taking a deep inhale directly from an open bottle of essential oil or rubbing a drop of oil between your hands and inhaling is a great way to experience the aroma. This can be done as needed throughout the day but, maybe behind closed doors is best so you’re not appearing to be a big sniff monster? Apply a few drops to a handkerchief and carry it in your pocket or make a terra cotta necklace that you can inhale whenever you like (I’ve seen so many pretty ones out there!). I like keeping a small terra cotta container of lavender oil at my bedside to help me wind down at night! It truly makes my bedside smell amazing.
3. Topically
This is probably one of my go-to strategies – it’s the most commonly used method and can assist with skin issues or body aches and pains. The most common places to apply oils are the bottoms of the feet, chest, temple, and pulse points. Apply 2 to 3 drops (a little goes a long way!) directly onto the skin or combine 5 to 10 drops with a carrier oil (like jojoba, grapeseed, or olive oil) to the bottoms of your feet, chest, temples, and pulse points. Please note that some oils are not safe to be applied topically therefore, be sure to check with the manufacturer first! I know people like me with acne-prone skin are not going to want to mess with this on your face! I try to steer clear of oils on my face as much as possible (unless I’m 100% sure it won’t cause irritation or break outs!) but my skin everywhere else loves it!
4. Baths
Add 2-5 drops of essential oil to bath water or use with Epsom salts or carrier oil. Avoid using cinnamon, cassia, oregano, wintergreen, and lemongrass in baths as they might irritate sensitive skin (and…ahem…you know, sensitive parts as well). I know bathes are controversial (enter gross swimming in own filth reference here) however, think of it as a part of your relaxation ritual. A nice, relaxing spa you’ve created right in your own home!
5. Massage
Bring oil to your next massage or give yourself a massage at home to ease tension and get circulation moving (or even help with the appearance of cellulite!). Make your own massage oil by adding 15-20 drops diluted to ½ cup of carrier oil. Start by massaging the feet as it allows oils to quickly enter the bloodstream. Hello loose muscles, smooth, and pretty smelling skin!
Adapted from helloglow.co
