Essential oils have been used for centuries and along with other natural healing methods were the main tools used in medical care until we learned how to create and synthesize drugs and other medications. I’ve been an advocate for essential oils for many years, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million more times, but peppermint, lavender and tea tree oil especially have saved my life (and sanity) on more than one occasion from the horrible pain of migraines, cramping, abdominal upset, bug bites, and much more which is why I wanted to share with you today, 3 easy ways to incorporate essential oils into your day.
Did you know our sense of smell is connected to our limbic system? The limbic system is the part of the brain responsible of memory, breathing, blood circulation and the regulation of hormones. I’m sure you can think of scents that instantly transport you to a different time and place in your memory – that is you limbic system at work! So while it may not make sense to you as to “how” essential oils can work, hopefully that example can help convince you that they do tap into that part of the brain, and if a scent can bring back powerful memories, that it can have a therapeutic effect in other ways as well.
As with anything, it can be easy to get carried away when it comes to essential oils and trying to incorporate them into your day-to-day life. So today I want to share with you three easy ways you can start to enjoy the benefits of essential oils.
To begin, you will need to get your hands on a few essential oils, or essential oil blends. I have a collection of oils that I’ve built over the years, but have only just recently entered the world of pre-mixed blends. You can of course create your own blends based on your personal needs and tastes, but when starting out it is more cost-effective to purchase a few pre-mixed blends, especially if you find some you really enjoy. Personally, my favourite is this Energy blend from Organic Aromas which is a blend of Spearmint, Peppermint, Melissa, Tangerine and Rosewood, and their Purity blend is my second favourite. It combines Lemongrass, Tea Tree, White Camphor, Rosemary, Lavender and Citronella.
The energy blend provides natural glandular support, helps reduce fatigue and anxiety, helps to stimulate the mind and boost energy and may aid in headache relief, while the purity blend helps to cleanse odours, helps to repel insects and vermin, aids in reducing tension and promotes well-being, and has anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal qualities.
Obviously I’m a bit partial to my “big three” (peppermint, lavender and tea tree) but when it comes to starting your own essential oils collection you need to find some scents that you like and will be useful in your life. Sweet Orange is a great starting oil if you like citrus scents. It is the scent preferred by most children (making it a great option for homes with kids) and has been shown to help them overcome fear and reduce anxiety. It is a bright happy scent which is great for helping ease depression and helping us feel a little bit more cheery.
Above all, it’s important to choose a scent or blend that you enjoy, if you pick on based solely on what it is suppose to do for you, but you dislike the scent – you are not going to use it!
Once you’ve chosen your oil, or oil blend(s), it’s time to talk about how to use them!
Epsom Salts Bath
A nice aromatherapy epsom salt bath (complete with coconut water) is definitely enjoyable after running a half marathon!
Adding epsom salts infused with your favourite essential oil is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the benefits of the essential oil after a tiresome day. While running a warm bath, take 1 cup of unscented epsom salts and add 4-6 drops of your favourite essential oil, or essential oil blend in a small bowl and mix. Sprinkle the salts into the bath while the water is still running and then run your hand through the water to help the salts to dissolve. Relax in the tub for 20-30 minutes to allow the epsom salts to work their magic, while massaging any oil droplets you see floating in your bath water into your skin.
Massage Oils/Bars
Getting a professional massage is wonderful, but lots of times it is hard to find the time – or finances – to do so. Adding aromatherapy to an at-home foot massage, back massage, or even to tired achy muscles can give you that spa feel right at home, and you can do it any time day or night! Ever notice that many foot lotions and creams are peppermint scented? That’s not an accident! Peppermint provides such wonderful cooling and pain relieving effect that it is a natural choice for our feet and legs. There are lots of different massage oils and massage bars available, so when looking to purchase one, look for one that is made using essential oils and pure ingredients you can pronounce. I enjoy using massage bars from LUSH (especially the WICCY Magic Muscles for muscle aches and pains), but most health food and natural living stores will carry a nice selection of massage oils and bars.
Bonus points if you can find someone willing to give you a back massage using the massage oil or bar! 😉
Essential Oil Diffusers
An essential oil diffuser like this one from Organic Aromas (which is the most effective diffuser of pure Essential Oils on the market) diffuses your chosen essential oil or essential oil blend into the air, allowing you to reap the benefits of aromatherapy easily while adding to your home or office decor! This diffuser silently nebulizes using the Bernoullis Principle, consumes very little energy, and is equipped with a control allowing you to determine how much oil is diffused into your space.
I chose this model because it is sleek and simple, and I thought it would best fit in with our home decor and I like the soft glow it gives off while it’s running.
This diffuser uses pure essential oil, no water or heat so it doesn’t heat up or create a humidifier like atmosphere when in use while still easily giving off an amazing scent.
If you would like to purchase your own diffuser from Organic Aromas you can use the coupon code: SHAREME to get 15% off your purchase!
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I hope this post has helped convince you that adding aromatherapy into your life doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating and I hope you’ll give it a try!
Disclosure: I was provided with product from Organic Aromas in exchange for my honest review, and that is what this is. I truly believe in aromatherapy and think if you haven’t yet, you should try it yourself!
Peppermint is a great oil for helping relieve headaches, just be sure NOT to get it anywhere near your eyes.
Essential oils are excellent for massages compared to commercial massage oils which can be bought in stores. They are extremely relaxing and offer a plethora of other skin benefits as well! I wouldn’t have known this until my wife started stocking up on the stuff!