Essential oils are pure natural oils that are extracted from plants, flowers, leaves, twigs, fruits and roots. They are used in perfumes, in aromatherapy, in natural cosmetics and even in household products. You can use them at home in essential oil diffusers and vaporizers, in baths and foot baths, in homemade body oils and other body care products. When buying oils, choose a reputable brand such as doTERRA Essentials Oils, to get pure therapeutic grade oils that are safe to use.
Body and Massage Oils
Most essential oils can be used on the skin, but they should be diluted with a carrier oil. Some of the best carrier oils are sweet almond oil, apricot or peach kernel oil, grapeseed, cold-pressed sunflower oil, wheatgerm, jojoba and other natural, cold-pressed vegetable oils. A typical dilution is 2-3 drops of essential oil into each 5 ml (one teaspoon) of carrier oil for a homemade massage oil.
Baths and Foot Baths
When using essential oils in baths, you can add them directly to the bath water or blend them with a base oil first. Add 4-6 drops to a bath and mix well with the bath water. Good bath oils include lavender and marjoram for a relaxing bath and rosemary for body aches and pains. You can also use oils in a foot bath to relieve tired feet.
Steam Inhalations
Steam inhalations are a great home remedy for colds, coughs and sinus infections. Add a few drops of eucalyptus, rosemary or pine oil to a bowl of steaming hot water and inhale the steam for several minutes. Many oils can be used in diffusers and vaporizers during the cold and flu season: eucalyptus, tea tree, pine, rosemary and lavender are good options.
Natural Room Sprays
Essential oils are natural room fragrances and can replace room sprays that often contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals. Almost any oils can be used in diffusers. Some essential oils are also natural insect repellents and can be added to vaporizers and diffusers in the summer: lemongrass and citronella are some of the best insect repellents.
Avoid applying oils anywhere near the eyes or other sensitive areas. If your skin is sensitive, it is best to apply the blended oil to a small area first to test its suitability for your skin type. Some oils can irritate very sensitive skin types and some people are allergic to certain oils, but can use other oils safely. Always buy pure, natural therapeutic grade oils, such as doTERRA Essentials Oils, to avoid oils that are diluted or low quality.
