12 Ways to Use Essential Oils in Your Daily Life

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for health and healing. It is gaining popularity as across the US as we continue to search for alternative and complimentary therapies. Many people are familiar with the term aromatherapy, but really aren’t sure how to use it in practical applications. Here are a few examples of how you can incorporate them into your daily life.

1. Diffuse lemon or orange in air with a ceramic or electric diffuser to fragrance the air.
2. Facial steam - add a few drops of lavender oil to steaming water, remove from heat source, place your face over the bowl and drape your head with a towel.
3. Bath water - add 4-10 drops of your favorite oil to your bath or jacuzzi.
4. Skin spray - add 4-10 drops of lavender, geranium, or tea tree oil to 2 oz. of distilled water in a misting bottle then spray skin for a fresh uplift to the day.
5. Linen spray to freshen sheets & towels - same as the skin spray but mix 20-30 drops to 2 oz. and spray your sheets. Jasmine and rose essential oils work well.
6. Room spray - same as linen spray but the concentration is 50-75 drops to 2 oz. of distilled water. Orange gives a crisp clean scent.
7. Hand or foot bath - add 10 - 12 drops of peppermint (to revive) or lavender (to relax) oil to warm water with 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts. Soak your hands or feet.
8. Massage oil is easily made by adding 10-20 drops of oil to 1 oz. of carrier oil (such as grapeseed, olive, or sweet almond). For tired, achy muscles, use rosemary or lavender.
9. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a cloth by your pillow at night to help breathing when struck by a cold or flu.
10. Hot compresses are wonderful on sore, tired muscles. Add 5-10 drops of oil to hot (not boiling) water. Soak a cloth in the water, wring it out and place on the affected area. Repeat as needed. Again, lavender and rosemary are good choices.
11. Dab tea tree on acne pimples to help clear up the infections.
12. Revive old potpourri mixes by adding 10-20 drops to the mix and stirring.

Remember, that most essential oils must be diluted before use directly on your skin. Lavender and tea tree are the only two oils that can be applied directly on the skin. There are many excellent resources online that discuss essential oils and their effects on the body, spirit and mind.