Essential Oils|Aromatherapy|Pheromones

Simple Essential Oil Uses To Get You Started

April 1st, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

First of all what is an essential oil? An essential oil is simply concentrated oil that has been extracted from a plant or herb. All essential oils have a distinctive smell and are all named for the plant they were taken from. The most popular means of extraction is through distillation.

Many believe essential oils are a part of the new holistic approach to healing one’s body, mind or spirit, but this is definitely not a new idea. The use of essential oils has been dated and documented to all know ancient civilizations in some form or another. There has been a reemergence of these techniques by a growing number of individuals which is making essential oils part of the main stream.

The fun and allure of essential oils lies in the fact that there are such a board number of products and applications available to experiment with. After testing essential oils in a couple of different products and applications, it can be rather easy to get on the aromatherapy bandwagon. These oils can be very beneficial but there are a few safety safeguards to abide by such as utilizing carrier oils when applying to skin and keeping the oil away from fire as they are flammable.

Breathing in the ScentsOne of the popular uses of essential oil is the practice of inhalation to get the total advantageous attributes and there are numerous ways to do it. Firstly, the easiest of all essential oil uses is placing a few drops on a handkerchief, tissue or cotton ball, holding close to the nose and inhaling the scent. If you are trying an oil for the first time, merely place one drop on the tissue paper or choosen medium and do a test inhale to ascertain that you will not induce any unfavourable responses.Steam inhalation is another of many essential oil applications and simple involves adding a few drops of your favorite oil to a small bowl of boiling water. Next, place your nose close to the steam but a sufficient enough distance to avoid burning or irritation. A couple of drops of eucalyptus, thyme and orange into the steaming water is a great curative for colds and congestion as well as other respiratory issues.

Freshening Up Your Home

Amidst the many essential oil uses is cleaning and freshening up your home, office or car. To refreshen the smell of a room, you can follow the steam inhalation technique up above; only you do not inhale the steam but instead let it diffuse the air. Employing a special ceramic light ring for light bulbs and placing a few drops of your favorite scented oil is another room refreshening exercise.

Place a couple of drops of essential oil on some cotton balls and place at the bottom of a trash can before replacing the bags or in the corners of your closet, vanity, or chest of drawers. Energize your laundry by adding a few drops of essential oil to your liquid fabric softener for the washer or adding to a washcloth before adding to the dryer. These are some great alternative essential oil uses for making your home smell nicer which translates to heightened wellbeing.

More Great Ideas

Essential oil uses can also be transferred to the beauty product domain with such items as bath salts, massage oils, shampoos, conditioners, skin care, soaps and bath gels. Even repelling bugs has never been easier or safer than with essential oils like citronella, peppermint, lavender and even orange.The uses for essential oils are limitless, the trick is to experiment and have fun and you will soon find your favorites.