Love, Love, Love Essential Oils!

I am a huge fan of using essential oils. They have been used for centuries, not just for their beautiful natural scent, but for their antibacterial healing properties as well. I love using them for anything from headaches to stomachaches, from an air purifier to hand sanitizer. There is a lot to talk about when discussing essential oils, so I will do this in two segments. Today, I will discuss how to properly use them and some safety reminders.

How can you use essential oils?

1. Inhalation

Direct inhalation - simply smell them
Diffuse the oils into the air
Fill a humidifier with water. Put a small cloth, sprinkled with a few drops of oil, in front of the steam.
Pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of oil. Cover your head and bowl in a tent-like fashion with a towel. Breathe deeply and slowly.

2. Topical Application

Apply them directly onto the skin where indicated.
Dilute with a pure vegetable oil before applying.

3. Internal Consumption - only pure essential oils, proven safe and labeled as dietary supplements, should be used internally.

Put several drops of oil into an empty capsule and swallow with water
Add 1-2 drops to a glass of water or rice milk
Put 1-2 drops onto a piece of bread or add to meals when cooking.

A Few Reminders for Essential Oil Use:

-Keep bottles of essential oils tightly closed and store them in a cool location away from light.
-Keep essential oils well away from the eye area and never put them directly into ears.
-The bottom of the feet is one of the safest, most effective places to use essential oils.
-Always skin test an essential oil before using it. Each person's body is different, so apply oils to a small area first.
-Keep essential oils away from open flames, sparks, or electricity.