Have you noticed the remarkable effect of scents on our emotions? For instance, smelling certain types of flowers can bring us memories of places where those flowers grew--such as our grandparents’ garden. Or when meeting new people, the first thing we notice and memorize about them is the perfume, which can--absolutely irrationally--instantly make us like or dislike them…
It is essential oils that are the source of aroma in plants and shrubs. They are aromatic, volatile liquids that most plants, roots, seeds, flowers, bark and fruit contain--the “life blood” of the plant. Most of them are extracted from these through the process of steam distillations. Scientists say they are the most ancient things people have used for natural healthcare for ages – since the times of ancient Egyptians.
Essential Oils Benefits for Women
As women, we face many struggles in all stages of our life in balancing our moods, metabolism, hormones, weight, sleep and other changing aspects of our daily activities. In women of all ages, essential oils make a natural, safe, and non-toxic means to use each day to take care of ourselves.
Whether you have issues of skin complexion, digestive discomfort, or irregular menstrual or sleep cycles, they can provide countless benefits to your body in those areas. Many also have a calming and tranquilizing impact on our mind, and anti-bacterial, purifying effect on our home environment. Essential oils can be very beneficial during pregnancy and help you deal with fatigue and morning sickness. Their effect is not a placebo--it’s simply chemistry!
Read Labels
Amazingly, these oils are completely natural – and even 50-70 times more powerful than herbs! 1 drop of peppermint oil is as effective as 28 cups of peppermint tea! Not just they smell incredible--different oils have different properties to can target different health conditions. Simple to use, they do not cause any side effects. Make the right solution, and using those oils instead of medicines will save your money by reducing the consumption of other health products significantly.
There are many ways to use essential oils, but the key is to inhale their right amount. For safety and effectiveness, always ask your doctor to make sure the oil is good for you, and check the quality. Look for pure oils without any additives.
Most essential oils cannot be used on the skin directly--you must dilute them with vegetable oils, creams, or bath gels for a 1% to 5% solution. Higher percentage causes stronger reaction. Always read the label and follow the instructions. If you have small children, be sure to lock your oils out of their sight and reach.
How to Get Started With Essential Oils
Some of the simplest daily ways to use essential oils are adding them to your creams, shampoos, etc., into bath water, and applying them in massage.
A general rule for making a solution is as follows: add 1-2 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil – any cold-pressed scentless oil made from plants: coconut, olive, sweet almond, sesame, avocado, jojoba, rose hip, etc.
For healthy face skin, add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to your facial cleanser.
For excellent body skin complexion, add one drop of geranium oil to your body moisturizer.
To support your immune system, add several drops of Oregano oil to a 10ml roller bottle and top with a carrier oil. Roll down the spine and on the bottoms of your feet a few times a day and before bed.
To help you relax, combine 3-4 drops of lavender and 1 cup of Epsom salt in a warm bath.
For a refreshing feeling after a bath, added a few drops of wild orange oil to bath water.
To support your body during your period, combine 10 drops of clary sage oil in a 10ml roller bottle topped with a carrier oil. Roll across your lower abdomen.
To provide relief from muscular soreness, relieve stress and treat constipation (also including during your period), add a few drops of basil essential oil to your regular massage oil.
Please note that the above methods are just guidelines. For each individual essential oil you choose, pay attention to safety notices. Every oil can NOT be used in the same way! Do a research on each oil by making a proper solution, rely on your nose sensations, and start small.