Have you heard of the company and/or used their products before? Only purchase essential oils from reputable companies. Is the price of the essential oil comparable to other similar products or much cheaper? Be wary of cheap essential oils because they may not be pure. Does the bottle list the Latin name for the plants used to make the essential oil and/or the country of origin? These details indicate that the company caters to knowledgeable consumers and is therefore more trustworthy. Does the packaging have a statement about purity? Look for products that contain 100% essential oil and steer clear of ones that contain less or that do not provide a percentage. How does the product smell? If the product does not smell like you expect it to smell, then it might not be a quality product. Does the packaging include a statement about organic growing practices or “wildcrafting”? If not, then the plants used to make the oil may have been mass produced and/or sprayed with pesticides, so you may want to avoid these products. [1] X Research source
For example, basil has two primary chemotypes: sweet basil oil and Reunion basil oil. Sweet basil oil has a sweeter aroma while Reunion basil oil has more of a woody aroma.
For an essential oil solution that will be applied to a concentrated area of an adult’s body, prepare a 3-5% solution. Add 3-5 drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil or water that you use. This dilution is ideal for applying a small amount of essential oil to your temples or wrists. For an essential oil solution that will be applied to a large area of an adult’s body, prepare a 1% solution. Add 1 drop of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil or water that you use. This dilution is ideal for massage oil mixtures and body sprays. If you plan to use essential oil on a baby, you should prepare a much weaker solution of 0. 25%. To prepare a 0. 25% solution, add one drop of essential oil to every 4 teaspoons of carrier oil or water. [5] X Research source To use essential oils in the bath, add 3-5 drops to your bath salts or to a teaspoon of carrier oil. Then add the mixture to your bathwater. Mixing essential oils with a carrier before adding them to the bathwater will help prevent direct contact of the essential oil with your skin, which may cause irritation.
Lavender Peppermint[8] X Research source Ginger[9] X Research source
To create a 5% tea tree oil gel for acne treatment, add 5 drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Mix the oil and aloe well and then apply the gel to acne using your fingertips or a q-tip. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
If you have a vaporizer, add a few drops of lavender, Roman chamomile, or clary sage oil to it before you get into bed. Try adding a couple of drops of oil to your bedtime bath, or try massaging a large area dilution into your legs and feet before bed. Keep in mind that some essential oils, such as rosemary, cypress, grapefruit, lemon and peppermint, can be particularly energizing and stimulating, so they are best avoided before bedtime.
Lavender, with its calming, earthy and sweetly floral scent, is widely beloved for the relaxing and balancing effects it provides, on both a physical and emotional level. Frankincense essential oil, with its comfortingly warm, exotic aroma, is most widely used for its stress relieving properties. Rose is a popular oil for relieving stress, while also helping with depression and grief. Chamomile essential oil, especially the Roman variety, addresses stress caused by mental anxiety, as well as helping with paranoia and feelings of hostility. Vanilla essential oil is renowned for its therapeutic qualities. Many people find vanilla to be a very comforting smell, and some aromatherapists claim that this is because vanilla oil is closest in fragrance and flavor to mothers’ milk. Vanilla induces tranquility and stimulates mental clarity.
To make your own insect repellent, combine 2 tablespoons (29. 6 ml) of carrier oil, 2 tablespoons (29. 6 ml) of witch hazel, and about 50 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, 10 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of cedarwood oil, and 10 drops of rosemary oil. Combine the ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake the mixture well before applying. [16] X Research source
Tea tree essential oil is one of the best oils for relieving earaches. Create a concentrated area dilution (3-5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil) and massage behind ears and on the neck. [17] X Research source
Cypress Basil Clary sage Myrtle Lavender Ginger Rose Rosemary Tangerine
You can also make your own sunburn relief spray by combining: 1 cup + 1 tablespoon (14. 8 ml) Aloe Vera Juice 1/4 cup coconut oil 1 teaspoon vitamin E 8 drops lavender essential oil 8 drops tea tree essential oil 8 drops Roman chamomile essential oil Combine all of the ingredients in a glass spray bottle and shake well.
Apply the oil topically 2-5 times a day until the wound has healed. After application, you can also apply a cold compress to the wound to ease bleeding and swelling and to seal in the oils.
Other oils that can be used in this manner include ginger, nutmeg and spearmint essential oils. Applying a warm compress to the stomach after applying the oils may also help to relieve pain and discomfort. Most research has found that peppermint oil taken orally is likely to be effective against symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
To use eucalyptus oil as a topical decongestant, mix eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil (3-5 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil). Apply a small amount of the mixture under your nose and rub some of the mixture into your chest as well. If you suffer from severe congestion, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your humidifier or fragrance diffuser as well.
You can also use a reed diffuser to disperse the scent of the essential oil. [23] X Research source
1/2 cup of white vinegar or witch hazel 1/2 cup of water 15-20 drops of an essential oil of your choice (tea tree, lavender, lemon, and peppermint are good choices) a few drops of dish soap (optional)
Add essential oils to incense or smudge sticks. Add three drops of essential oil to incense sticks and smudge sticks. Burn the incense as normal. Add essential oils to unscented products. Add a couple of drops of essential oil to unscented lotions, soaps and bath foams to enjoy the aroma of your favorite oils as part of your everyday routine. Add a few drops of essential oil to your vacuum cleaner bag before turning it on. As you vacuum your house, the oil will disperse through the suction and make your home smell like the essential oil.
