The 10 most popular essential oils and how to use them

Essential oils and other botanicals have been used in wellness practices as early as 5,000 years ago. The term "aromatherapy" first originated in 1937, when French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, invented the word after a burn incident spurred his curiosity about the healing power of essential oils.

10 most popular recognized essentials and benefits:

Clove: Antibacterial and antioxidant protection.
Cypress: Helps to improve circulation and reduce varicose veins.
Eucalyptus: Helps to improve respiratory issues like bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies.
Frankincense: Helps to heals age spots.
Grapefruit: Helps to support metabolism and cellulite reduction. Mix with carrier oil and rub on areas of cellulite.
Lavender: Helps with relaxation and improves mood.
Lemon: Great to use in homemade cleaning products as a natural antibacterial tool.
Peppermint: Helps to boost energy, reduces headache and muscle pain relief.
Rosemary: Helps to improve brain function and memory so it's great to use when working, reading or studying.
Tea Tree Oil: a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and helps to reduce bad odors.

4 Ways to Use Essential Oils

Diffusion

Depending on the instructions of your diffuser, mix 2-8 drops of essential oil with water, either tap or distilled, into a diffuser. The diffuser breaks apart the oil into tiny molecules and disperses them through the air, creating the aroma of choice. Diffusing EOs in the morning is a great way to get your day started positively. For a great mood booster, you can mix bergamot with lemon and orange. Throughout the day, you can use rosemary with peppermint for concentration or orange with patchouli if you need some balance. In the evening, try relaxing with a mix of rosemary, lavender and clary sage.

Spring Blend

4 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint
3 drops Lemon

Winter Blend

2 drops bergamot
2 drops orange
2 drops Eucalyptus

Summer Blend

2 drops Peppermint
2 drops of Lavender
2 drops citronella
2 drops lemongras

Fall Blend

4 drops orange
2 drops cinnamon
2 drops clove

Inhale

Clear your mind then inhale directly from an open bottle. You can use a handkerchief, carry it in your pocket, and inhale as needed. I love mint and spearmint as a pick-me-up feeling or to get rid of any fowl smells in the air.

Topically

The more common places to apply oils are at the bottom of your feet, chest, temples and your pressure points. In massage therapy practice, I experienced working with different EOs to create a symphony of sensations. I learnt that just one simple drop of wonders, and a bit of curiosity, can make a pleasant aroma. Different oils can be blended together to enhance each's energy or can be blended with a base oil to be used for massage, shower gels or body lotions.

Most Popular Oils Selections for topical application

Bergamot: helps to promote inner peace.
Eucalyptus: may offer soothing effects and relieve during the cold and flu seasons.
Grapefruit: may balance mood swings.
Lavender: soothing and vital calming effects.
Lemon oil: great scent for focusing.
orange: may offer a comfortable and a natural feeling.
Peppermint: especially helpful in alleviating a tension headache.

Diluting ratios of essential oils can vary, depending on the health conditions and sensitivity of a person. General rule of thumb is; adding 1-4 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Remember do not apply essential oils directly on skin as irritations can vary. Always use with caution. If you have allergies or a family history of allergies or if you think you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first.

Choosing your Carrier Oil

Pairing your essential oil with the right carrier oil can be extremely beneficial in realizing the full benefits you would like to achieve. Most commonly used base oils are grape seed oil for its deep moisturizing properties, sweet almond oil for its Vitamin E and hypoallergenic properties, and avocado oil, which contains Vitamins A, D and E, alongside its anti-inflammatory properties.

Baths

Add 2-5 drops of Eos* in 15 mL of carrier oil to bath water or mix with Epsom salts or complete unique combination of Aromaforce bath salts.
*Avoid using cinnamon, wintergreen and oregano as they might irritate skin.

References

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