Aromatherapy: An Essential Oils Guide

Aromatherapy used to be somewhat rare, but now essential oils can be found on the shelves of the local grocery store. There is little research on aromatherapy, but the research we have already has fantastic findings. Find out more…

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are organic compounds extracted from specific plants for their healing properties. The oils are taken from the flower, fruit, leaf, seed, root, or bark of a plant. One drop of oil is highly concentrated, possesses a strong aroma, and powerful health benefits.

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How I Choose?

You will choose the essential oil that best matches your purpose. Are you trying to elevate your mood? Fight off a cold? Treat a burn? Each oil is different, so you need to pay attention to cautions and application methods. We have a few examples listed below.

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15 Common Essential Oils Uses

Grapefruit: Supports metabolism and cellulite reduction.

Tea Tree Oil: Natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, reduces bad odors, and stimulates the immune system.

Mandarin: Calming, great for children (combine with lavender), and slightly warming.

Lemongrass: Cleansing, antiviral, insect repellant, used for cleaning, and antimicrobial.

: Antiviral, great for cleaning, can be used as a room spray, uplifting, and detoxing.

: Calming, reduces anxiety and involuntary spasms, helps heal wounds and burns, reduces itchiness, and great for children.

Helichrysum: Cell regenerative, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory.

: Digestive, eliminates gas and constipation, relieves nausea, warming emotionally, anti-inflammatory, relieves pain, and immune modulator.

Geranium: Relieves PMS, aids in balancing hormones, antimicrobial, and relieves nerve pain.

Frankincense: Strengthens immune system, soothes inflamed skin, and cell regenerative.

: Naturally thickens hair, improves brain function, memory, and is great when working, reading, or studying.

Eucalyptus Radiata: Expectorant, useful for colds and flu, antiviral. *INDICATED FOR CHILDREN WITH RESPIRATORY CONGESTION

: Relieves involuntary spasms, menstrual cramps, anxiety, stress, aphrodisiac, relaxing, and labor pain management.

Chamomile: Relieves involuntary spasms, menstrual cramps, anxiety, stress, insomnia, sedative, anti-inflammatory. *GREAT FOR CHILDREN – COMFORTING AND SOOTHING

Peppermint: Relieves nausea. muscular aches and pains, migraines, involuntary spasms, and increases energy. *Safety Note for Peppermint: DO NOT USE ON CHILDREN UNDER 30 MONTHS, DIRECT APPLICATION TO NASAL AREA OR CHEST SHOULD BE AVOIDED, DO NOT APPLY TO FEET, DO NOT INHALE LARGE DOSES.

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How Are Essential Oils Used?

These oils are able to enter the body in primarily three ways: Through direct application to the skin, inhaled through the nose or mouth, or ingested. You can add these oils to sprays, baths, lotions, smoothies, diffusers, and more.

How I Choose Application Method?

1. Wound care most often involves topical applications.

2. Mood effects involve inhalation or topical application. Inhalation is quicker.

3. Ingestion of essential oils is only recommended under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.

Note: If you are unsure about which application method to use, consult an experienced aromatherapist.

How I Apply Essential Oils Topically?

Essential oils can be applied to the skin in many ways, and it is important to note that most essential oils must be diluted before application. We recommend 4 drops of oil for every teaspoon of carrier oils (or 24 drops per fluid ounce).

Common carrier oils:

• Avocado
• Coconut
• Pomegranate Seed

Once you’ve made your carrier solution you can use it for cold or hot compresses, massages, or direct application with a cotton pad. You can also add a couple drops of essential oil to water, gargle the solution, and spit it out. *DO NOT SWALLOW IT

How Can I Inhale Essential Oils?

Diffuser: Choose an open area in a room or office. Add water to the fill line of the water reservoir with clean tap water. Then, add a few drops of essential oils in the device and turn it on.

Dry Evaporation: Apply several drops of essential oil on cotton balls and let it evaporate into the air. Keep the cotton ball within a few feet. Try not to directly inhale stronger oils (such as peppermint).

Steam: Bring water to a boil and, when steaming, add the essential oils of your choosing. The oil should quickly evaporate and be released in the steam. This method is powerful and direct, so using more than a few drops may be overwhelming. Using eucalyptus oil this way can help with respiratory and sinus infections. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 7*