Читать книгу A Beginner's Guide to Essential Oils - Hayley Hobson - Страница 9

Open any wellness magazine and you’re likely to see something about essential oils. Articles, ads, or uses—lots of people have something to say. It seems essential oils have been the flavor of the decade for professionals on the wellness circuit. The truth is, as I mentioned in the introduction, people have been using them for thousands of years. Everybody has just upped their games and that’s why you hear so much about essential oils these days.

Let’s review a few key points. Then we’ll dig a little deeper into essential oils and how you use them, okay?

In addition to using essential oils as part of a lifestyle to proactively boost your immune and digestive systems, they can help balance your hormones and keep you from freaking out under pressure. You can also have fun with them. Essential oils can be incorporated in beauty treatments and in cooking. They can be used one at a time, or blended for specific purposes.

How to Use Essential Oils

If you’re just getting started with essential oils, you might not know all the ways you can use them and what you might use them for. It’s easy to feel intimidated when you’re learning something new, but the truth is, once you learn, using essential oils is easy. Some methods are more popular than others, and as you work with your oils you’ll determine your own habits.

One thing to keep in mind, even though essential oils are safe and non-toxic, you’ll want to pay special attention to the guidelines for using certain oils. Some can be taken internally and others only topically. Be sure you don’t mix them up.

Even though the scents of some oils are amazing, others might not appeal to you. They’re not like perfume although you may enjoy some as personal fragrances. But as I’ve mentioned, each essential oil has a purpose.

Where to Apply Oils

A popular way to use essential oils is to apply them directly to the skin. Oils are immediately absorbed into your skin because they are fat-soluble. Remember never to apply full-strength. Using more doesn’t make an oil work better. Always dilute them with something like fractionated coconut oil. It’s wasteful to use more than you need and depending on the oil, that can be expensive.

Dilute with Carrier Oils

Fractionated coconut oil is one of several carrier oils, or base oils, you can use to mix with your essential oils. Dilution is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Carrier oils don’t evaporate like essential oils do. But they can go rancid, so be sure the carrier oil you use is fresh.

Apply essential oils to pulse points, such as your wrists. Place a few drops on your palms, rub together and then breathe deeply. And believe it or not, applying oils to your feet is not only popular, but also effective. Your big toe is an especially good spot because it links directly to your brain. You can also choose to apply essential oils on your temples, at the base of your neck or skull, and behind your ears. Apply a few drops of essential oils, inhale, and enjoy.

Begin with a single drop of any oil you’re trying for the first time. Make sure you don’t have a reaction before you increase to three to four drops. Take any known allergies into consideration before you use the oils.

You’ll soon discover that you enjoy some scents more than others, but remember it’s not just about the fragrance. It’s about the benefits.

Use an Electronic Diffuser

Okay, so THIS is addictive! Plug in your diffuser and a fine mist of essential oils and water sprays, filling the air with the aroma of whatever oil, or combination of oils you use. As the mist circulates, not only will the room smell luscious, but the oils’ benefits will also surround you.

There are several types of diffusers. Choose one or two and put one in every room if you like! They are great as gifts, too. I’ve listed the most popular ones later in the book.

Old-Fashioned Steam

Boil some water and pour into a glass bowl. A few cups will be fine. Add three to four drops of oil to the water and lean in. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and inhale the steam. You won’t have to get too close. Hold your head about eight to twelve inches from the water and breathe in gently and slowly. If you notice any discomfort, stop immediately. You might be allergic.

Aromatherapy Bath

Adding essential oils to your bath is relaxing. Roman Chamomile and Lavender are good choices for a relaxing bath.

Again, don’t use them full-strength because they won’t dissolve as nicely as they would if you use Epsom salts as a base. Don’t use with chemical products!

Another safe, effective way to use essential oils in your bath is to mix them with a carrier oil or milk. The carrier oil will protect your skin from potential irritation and the essential oils bond with the fatty acids in whole milk. Try Rose or Jasmine and milk.

Lavender is calming and nice for a relaxing bath. Add a few drops to soak away stress and tension. If taken internally, Lavender can also reduce anxious feelings. After your bath, take Lavender internally for a peaceful sleep.

Is MORE Better?

You might really like the scent or flavor of a certain oil, or the benefit of another, but if you think more is better it is not. Essential oils are concentrated. A few drops are plenty and anything more will just be wasted. You might also be sensitive, and some oils cause skin irritation.

In Chapter Eleven, I share some of my favorite essential oil blends. I use them in my own home to keep my family healthy and toxin-free. I encourage you to try them for yourself and your family, to create a healthy, whole and balanced home. Keep reading!