Breathe In...

Essential oils have been beneficial in people’s lives throughout history and have shown to have a positive effect on dietary functions, cosmetics, physical and emotional well-being as well as elicit powerful physiological, and metal responses. It is important to know the different ways you can enjoy essential oils as well as understand the affects you can experience from each one. Many essential oils have a variety of ways you can use them whether its aromatic, topically or internally. With there being over 3,000 essential oils out there, the first step to using essential oils is deciding what you are trying to achieve.

Here are some examples of effective essential oils you can benefit from in many ways. Basil can help promote focus and alertness as well as help keep your skin looking clean, clear and healthy. Cardamom internally can help ease indigestion and maintain overall gastrointestinal health as well as promote clear breathing and respiratory health when inhaled. Cassia, a relative of cinnamon, supports healthy cardiovascular, metabolic and immune function and can also uplift your mood. Clary Sage when used topically promotes healthy-looking hair and scalp, promotes a restful night’s sleep and can be calming and soothing to the skin. With Cypress, you can apply the oil to your legs and feet before a run for an energizing boost and can also be great for stimulating emotions during difficult times.

As you can see there is a large scale of uses when it comes to essential oils as well as an array of ways to use them. Topically you can apply your essential oils to your neck, forehead and temples, chest and abdomen, arms, legs and the bottoms of your feet. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath, make hot or cold compresses or add a few drops into a moisturizer. If you choose to apply an essential oil topically, make sure to avoid the skin around your eyes, your inner ears and any broken, damaged or injured skin. For an aromatic experience, you can use a diffuser, mix oils in a spray bottle with water to mist over furniture, use in household surface cleaners and add oil to a batch of laundry sheets. Essential oils in their concentrated form can be used as dietary supplements for more targeted health benefits. Consuming these ingredients is a very safe way of application because of the physiological processes of our bodies. You can use the oils in recipes in cooking and baking to replace fresh or dried herbs and spices or you can add them to water, smoothies or other drinks.

Again, it is important to educate yourself on the different side affects you may experience as well as the potency of each essential oil. Some oils may be too strong to put directly on the skin. In that case you will need a carrier oil as a buffer such as coconut or jojoba oil. Some great companies you can look into as reference is Doterra and Young Living. They offer some amazing advice on how to use essential oils, product knowledge and safety guidelines.