Essential oils are the essence of a plant, a gift from the earth, distilled and prepared for you to bring the power of nature to yourself, your family your home
Inside many plants (leaves, roots, seeds, flowers, barks, resins, stems, fruit peels) are concentrated, highly potent chemical compounds. These natural compounds are essential oils.
Essential oils give a plant its scent, protect it from hazardous environmental conditions and even assist it with pollination, among other important functions and benefits.
Essential oils have multiple ways of entering our bodies and delivering their benefits. Through absorption into the skin or inhalation through the nose, essential oils can quickly affect the body by interacting with its systems and pathways.
Our skin is the body's largest organ and anything applied to it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Essential oils applied to the skin are able to travel around the body through the bloodstream, delivering a range of benefits to our organs and systems. Massage and heat can increase absorption of these oils.
Inhaling essential oils through the nose allows their airborne molecules to interact with the olfactory organs and immediately affect the brain. These same molecules can also interact with the respiratory system through the lungs. Overall, essential oils offer a quick and efficient way to deliver their numerous benefits to the body.
Inhaling an essential oil’s aroma is one of the easiest and most effective ways to benefit from it. Every oil has a unique scent that can invigorate or soothe you depending on what you need. To use essential oils aromatically, simply open the bottle and inhale its aroma. Alternatively, you can add a few drops to a diffuser that disperses the essential oils into the air, or dilute it with a carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil and apply it to your skin as a personal fragrance.
Applying essential oils topically is another popular method. You can add essential oils to your preferred lotion, moisturizer, or personal care product, or mix them into a massage oil. However, it’s crucial to dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil beforehand. This prevents skin irritation and ensures the oil can effectively absorb. Some essential oils, specifically citrus essential oils, can cause photosensitivity, but dilution with a carrier oil can help reduce this risk.
A foot soak involves immersing your feet in warm water infused with essential oils and other soothing ingredients. It’s a great way to unwind and provide relief to tired or achy feet. Fill a basin or tub with warm water. The water should be comfortably warm, not too hot. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oils to the water. You can enhance the foot soak by adding Epsom salt, sea salt, or a mild liquid soap to the water. These ingredients can help relax muscles and soften skin. Place your feet in the basin and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes.
Taking a bath with essential oils can offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for your entire body. Fill your bathtub with warm water. Again, the water should be comfortably warm, not too hot. Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. This helps disperse the essential oils in the water and prevents skin irritation. Carefully step into the bath and immerse yourself in the water. When you’re ready to get out, gently pat your skin dry with a towel. You can follow up with a moisturizer if desired.
