I ran across this great article in Mother Earth Living magazine. I just know this will help you determine what your needs are regarding essential oils because there are so many oils, tonics and herbals out there that we often get overwhelmed.
How to Use Essential Oils
Here are just a few of the many ways you can bring the pleasure and benefits of essential oils into your life.
Baths: Add 3 to 10 drops essential oil (or a combination of oils) to your bath. To prevent possible skin irritation, first dilute the essential oil in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil or liquid soap. To create scented bath salts, mix 10 drops essential oil with 1 cup Epsom salts or baking soda in a plastic container, shake well, and then add to the tub and stir to dissolve. Soaking for 10 to 20 minutes in an aromatherapy bath is a good way to deeply relax or energize, depending on the oils used.
Massage: Add 10 to 20 drops essential oil to 1 ounce almond or grape seed oil. Use as you would any massage oil. This is excellent for deep relaxation, easing muscle stiffness, improving lymphatic circulation and enhancing overall well-being.
Saunas: Add 2 drops essential oil to 2 cups water; pour onto heat source in sauna 1⁄2 cup at a time. This formula is a whole-body treatment; it also can be helpful for alleviating muscle soreness.
Simple inhalation: Place 1 drop essential oil onto a handkerchief or tissue; inhale as desired. Depending on the oil used, this can allay stress, improve concentration or clear the sinuses.
Steam inhalation: Pour 2 quarts boiling water into a heatproof bowl. Add 3 drops essential oil. Make a tent over your head and the bowl with a large bath towel. Inhale the fragrant steam for 10 minutes, taking care to not burn yourself with the steam. This is excellent for relieving sinus congestion, colds or sore throat, and also for deep cleansing the skin.
Air freshener: Add 6 drops essential oil to 1 cup water in a clean spray bottle. Shake well, and use to neutralize odors as you would any air freshener. To prevent staining, avoid spraying onto wood surfaces or upholstered furniture.
Top 10 Essential Oils for Your Apothecary
Stock your essential oil collection with these 10 fundamental oils.
• Lavender: antiviral, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory
• Chamomile: anti-inflammatory, digestive, relaxant
• Marjoram: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
• Rosemary: pain relief, decongestant, circulatory tonic
• Tea tree: antifungal, antibacterial
• Cypress: astringent, circulatory tonic, antiseptic
• Peppermint: digestive, clears sinuses, antiseptic, decongestant, stimulant
• Eucalyptus: decongestant, antiviral, antibacterial, stimulant
• Bergamot: anti-inflammatory
• Geranium: antifungal, antiinflammatory, eases nervous tension
Borrowed from Mother Earth Living, Jessica Kellner http://bit.ly/16DgLHT
Purchase Young Living Essential Oils Here
Blessings ~ Lisa
