Essential Oils, What Are They and How Do We Use Them?

We hear about them, like to talk about them, love to smell them but what are essential oils? In essence they are highly concentrated extractions from the aromatic parts of flowers, trees, grass and herbs.

Essential oils and aromatherapy have become synonymous with each other. After all, aromatherapy is aroma by scent and literally means fragrance therapy. We use essential oils to create the wonderful fragrance journey that we experience every time we open a bottle.

Essential oils need to be used with care. The general rule of thumb is to add them to a carrier product. Carriers can be natural lotions bases, creams or oils such as jojoba, sesame, grape seed, avocado and hazelnut.

What Are Some of the Most Popular Essential Oils?

When we think of the most popular essential oils, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Rose, Orange, Peppermint and Tea Tree top the list.

Lavender is the go to oil especially when skin is involved. A minor burn or cute and it's Lavender to the rescue. Lavender is also said to be calming, relaxing and balancing. Often described as having a sweet, floral scent with woodsy undertones, Lavender is often used in spas and laundry blends for its calming properties.

Eucalyptus is what comes off the shelf when there's a respiratory and immune challenge. It has this penetrating camphor - like odor. Pass this under your nose and you're sure to have an awakening.

Chamomile is the - can't sleep at night - tea, most people reach for Chamomile when they can't sleep and find themselves searching for that feeling of inner peace. Chamomile is also great for your skin.

Rose is traditionally used to help you to relax, enhance your creativity and promote positive feelings. It's often the oil that you smell when you're around mature women. What you could be smelling from the initial whiff is Rose Geranium. It's used to help in balancing hormones and controlling hot flashes.

Rose is also described as a rich, exquisite, deep and sensuous oil.

Orange is described as the uplifting, refreshing and cheering oil. When you pair it with lavender and rose oils, it is said to help in relieving stress and anxiety.

Peppermint is the go to oil for nausea and upset stomachs but it's also used to help with concentration. It invigorates and revitalizes the person that passes this scent under their nose.

Tea Tree is the first oil looked for in most first aid kits. It's traditionally used on minor cuts and scrapes. It acts as a disinfectant in cleaning products.

What Are Some Simple Ways To Use Essential Oils

Room Fresheners -You can freshen the rooms in your home with 20 drops of your favorite blend in distilled water and use it as a spray mist.

Pillow Talk -Place a few drops of Lavender on a tissue and place it near your pillow for a relaxing night's sleep.

Kitchen Area - Put a few drops of Lemon and Eucalyptus in your soft soap and keep it at your kitchen sink or use in your dish water.

Laundry - A few drops of your favorite oil added to your final rinse cycle or to a damp cloth in your dryer will give your clothes a fresh smell when you wear them or store them in your closet.

Skin and Hair Care- Whether it's in your bath, a massage oil, lotion/cream, shampoo or conditioner, essential oils will help with dryness, add moisture and relieve tired muscles.

Safety and Precautions

Except for Lavender and Tea Tree, essential oils should never be applied to your skin without being in a carrier oil (jojoba, olive, sweet almond Oil). Even then you'll want to test these oils on a small patch of your skin.

Keep essential oils away from children, pets and your eyes.

Store them in a cool, dark and dry place.


Finally ...

I hope these tips have given you some ideas and insights on essential oil and how they are often used. If you like what you've read, share it with a friend.


Life Never Smelled So Sweet!!


Juliette's Website

https://www.nyrajuskincare.com