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.

Natural Remedies for the Common Cold

While there are no known cures for the common cold, many plants and healing herbs can be used to soothe symptoms of the cold or flu. The use of natural alternatives can lessen the duration and severity of a cold. Here are just a few to choose from.

To Boost Your Immunities:

• Vitamin D3. During the fall and winter months, it is best to increase your intake of vitamin D3. This vitamin not only boosts your immune system, it also helps your body absorb much needed calcium. Vitamin D3 can be taken in amounts up to 3000 mg. It is sometimes recommended that you have your D3 levels checked before increasing your intake.
• Echinacea. Is a flowering herb that is widely used to improve the body’s natural immune system and prevent colds and flu or at least lessen their duration. Recommended dosages are up to 1200 mg. daily. Do not use for more than 10 days straight.

If You Have Already Caught a Cold:

• Vitamin C. Immediately increase your intake of vitamin C. Start with 1000 milligrams and adjust accordingly. You can do a vitamin C flush where you increase your intake until you begin to experience loose stools, then begin to decrease the amount you are taking.
• Olive Leaf Extract. This herb has been shown to be a good antibacterial. It is a good supplement for fighting bacterial and viral infections. Safe doses are up to 750 mg. daily.
• Goldenseal. Has a long history in treating cold and upper respiratory tract infections. This can safely be taken is dosages up to 750 mg. each day. To increase the effectiveness of goldenseal, it can be taken with Echinacea.
• Peppermint or Chamomile Tea. For congestion and sore throats, sip on either of these hot teas. For additional relief from sore throats, try adding a teaspoon of honey.
• Aromatherapy. Essential oils are an excellent way to combat the effects of the common cold. Bring a pan of water to a boil, remove from the heat source. Place in several drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary and / or lavender essential oils. Drape a towel over the pan and your head and breathe in the steam for several minutes. Keep your eyes closed.

As a safety precaution, it is always recommended that you check for any contraindications with current medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and supplements that you may already be taking. In addition, if you have any health conditions, please check the safety of taking any natural supplements.

Way to Use Essential Oils at Home

Essential oils are very versitale in their use.  Four common oils:  eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and tea tree are effective and may be used in a variety of ways.  Listed below are a few ways to use them safely in your home for first aid and health benefits.

Eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and tea tree oils are effective when used alone, combining them can increase their healing actions. Here are a few ideas on how to mix oils and what they can be used for:

• Sunburn can be relieved by diluting four drops each of eucalyptus and lavender with four ounces of distilled water and sprayed onto the affected areas. This is especially comforting when the mix has been stored in the refrigerator.
• Small cuts and scrapes can be disinfected when washed with a dilution of warm water and several drops of lavender.
• An effective insect repellent can be made by mixing five drops each of lavender and rosemary with a carrier oil and sprayed onto the exposed skin and clothing.
• When it is necessary to build up immunity, try a steam inhalation of four drops each or eucalyptus and lavender mixed with a pan of steaming water. Drape a towel around to cover the head and pan and breathe in for up to five minutes.
• Respiratory and nasal congestion can be effectively treated in the same manner. Add three drops of each eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and tea tree into a pan of steaming water.
• An excellent rub for muscle pain can be made by combining two drops each of eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary with four teaspoons of a carrier oil such as sweet almond or extra virgin olive oil.
• Ear ache pain can be relieved by mixing three drops of and lavender and tea tree oil with one teaspoon of a carrier oil and rubbed around the affected ear.

As suggested above, these four oils are very versatile and useful for common injuries and illnesses. So, if looking for natural products to fill a first aid kit or medicine chest at home, be sure to include these four versatile essential oils to address many healing needs.