If you’re anything like me, you’ve amassed quite a collection of essential oils—but have no idea how to use most of them beyond the occasional sniff to relieve a headache or get a quick energy boost. We’ve talked about which oils to use for detox, women’s health and gorgeous skin but what are the best ways to incorporate them into your everyday routines? Whether you want to battle fatigue, reduce tension or improve focus, read on for 5 ways to make the most of these powerful oils.
5 WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS EVERY DAY
1. DIFFUSION
Diffuse oils in the morning is a great ways to get your date started on the right note. Throughout the day, try stimulating oils for work or study or uplifting oils if you need an energy boost. Try relaxing and sedative oils at bedtime. You can make a simple reed diffuser or buy a diffuser like this one that covers a larger area.
STIMULATING OILS
· Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Wild orange, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Basil
UPLIFTING OILS
· Lemon, Wild Orange, Peppermint, Bergamot, Geranium, Melissa
RELAXING OILS
· Lavender, Lemon, Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Ylang Ylang
SEDATIVE OILS
· Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Vetiver, Frankincence, Melissa
2. INHALE
Clear your mind then inhale directly from an open bottle or rub a drop of oil between your palms and breathe in the aroma. Do as needed throughout the day. Apply a few drops to a handkerchief and carry it in your pocket or make a terra cotta necklace that you can inhale whenever you like.
3. TOPICALLY
The most common places to apply oils are the bottoms of feet, chest, temple and pulse points. Once you’ve mastered that you can move on to different places on your body that align with specific ailments, aches and pains. Apply 2 to 3 drops (a little goes a long way) right on the skin, or combine 5 to 10 drops with a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed or olive oil.
Not all oils, or brands of oils, are safe to apply topically. Before applying any essential oil topically, check with the manufacturer to see if it’s safe to use that way. Then consult this handy map to find out where you should be applying your oils. Note: never use essential oils (even topically safe ones) in your ear canal or near your eyes!
4. BATHS
Add 2-5 drops of essential oil to bath water or use with Epsom salts or carrier oil. Try one of these aromatherapy bath salt blends. Avoid using cinnamon, cassia, oregano, wintergreen and lemongrass in baths as they might irritate sensitive skin.
5. MASSAGE
Bring oil to your next massage or give yourself a massage at home to ease tension and get circulation moving (or even help with cellulite!) Make your own massage oil by adding 15-20 drops diluted to 1/2 cup of carrier oil. Start by massaging the feet as it allows oils to quickly enter the bloodstream.