What are essential oils?
Essential oils are botanical extracts of various plant materials, and do not only originate from flowers, but from herbs, trees and various other plant material. Essential oils differ from other oils, such as olive oil, as they evaporate when left open and have certain therapeutic properties.
Since essential oils are concentrated, remember a little goes a long way.
What are carrier oils?
Some of my favorite oils are carrier oils. I pretty much pray at the holy grail of coconut oil and rosehip oil has changed the skin on my face.
Carrier oils are useful when working with essential oils because it is sometimes necessary to dilute oil. I would almost always recommend it unless you are experienced working with oils as powerful, highly concentrated essential oils may cause skin irritations. One advantage of carrier oils is that they do not evaporate like essential oils and keep much longer. Keep in mind, carrier oils actually aid in absorption of the essential oil.
Below are some of my favorites, simple uses:
Target Acne. A little lavender and tea tree oil help control break outs. Simple place a few drops on a cotton ball or cotton swab and dab onto your spot.
Soak. Adding a few drops of lavender in a bath help soak away any stress.
Steam. Next time you have a cold or the flu, remember the eucalyptus steam. Add 1-2 drops to a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head, and inhale the vapor slowly and deeply. Be extremely careful you don’t overdue the eucalyptus. I have made this mistake and it burns.
Moisturize. Add citrus to coconut oil and slater it on in place of your chemical laden lotions.
Exfoliate. Add 3-4 drops of lavender or citrus to a small amount of oatmeal and water for a homemade scrub.
Freshen. Put baking soda and a 5-6 drops of lavender oil in a small jar. Make sure to safely punch holes in the lid. Place in smelly areas and shake jar often.
Try this at home!
Refresh. Add lavender or citrus to your mattress when you change your sheets.
Sleep Aid. Spray or drop lavendar on pillows.
Debug. Many household bugs do not like peppermint. Just add to water in a spray bottle and spray where you think bugs enter your home. This is especially helpful during monsoon.
Settle. Rub one drop of peppermint oil on the stomach to calm indigestion.
Lather. Add peppermint to your shampoo to stimulate the scalp and help you wake up.
Enjoy.