Essential Oils

Recently I had the pleasure of trying and learning even more about essential oils (EO). I've had some people ask me questions about using essential oils, what they actually were, and their uses. Some answers were provided in a previous EO post H E R E !!  After doing more research, and from the help of doTERRA here's what I've found.

FACTS:

• 50 to 70 times more powerful than herbs
• 1 drop of peppermint essential oil = 28 cups of peppermint tea
• Fight some viruses and bacteria

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There are 3 ways to use Essential Oils

1. Aromatic-- Breath in or use a diffuser. Kills germs in the air, opens airways, affects moods
2. Topical-- Applied to a specific area such as the head, ears, chest, back
3. Internal-- Depends on the EO. Can relieve issues such in the throat and digestive system

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Some oils I own are: 

Grapefruit-- EO are gathered from the rinds of the fruit. The acid in grapefruit can help seal your hair after washings. Try doing a rinse with this and other citrus EO

Lemon-- EO are gathered from the rinds of the fruit. Diffusing this EO can help cleanse a room. With this and other citrus EO you have to be careful if applying topically, then going into the sun. The citrus can magnify the sun's rays and make your skin sensitive to it.

Ylang Ylang-- Often used as a perfume. It has calming properties and can be mixed with coconut oil for the hair. It can also be used as a dandruff treatment

Peppermint-- Often used as a breathing and digestive aid, which is why you find products such as gum, toothpaste, antacids, etc. in peppermint flavor. It also stimulates the scalp, blood circulation, and can be added to a shampoo, or conditioner for added benefits.

Lavender-- Can be diffused and used as a calming aid and can help you sleep peacefully. This EO is good for sensitive skin if used in a water mixture spray for hair. It's also a natural antimicrobial, so it'll help fight germs.

Rosemary-- Another EO used for its abilities to help digestive issues, muscle aches and pains. A rinse made with this EO is good for oily hair and dandruff

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I've never thought about it before, but some EO can be used in food recipes too. The key is to make sure you check the contents of the EO you're using before ingesting it. Some EO out there can contain additives, so be mindful. A recipe I saw using EO was for salsa. Lime and cilantro EO were used in the recipe. I'm a big fan of salsa, so I'll probably try this out. You can find the recipe, and more information including spa treatments using EO  H E R E !! In case you didn't know I have another blog called Skinny Girls Can Throw Down Too, so be on the lookout for this recipe and more!!

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 EO have an almost limitless amount of benefits and uses. Here are some for the head:

Dandruff can be helped with lavender, rosemary, and cypress EO

• dilute the EO with water, massage into the scalp, then rinse after about an hour

Dehydrated Skin can benefit from lavender and geranium EO

• apply topically to the affected area

Dry Skin can benefit from lemon, geranium, and chamomile EO

• apply topically to the affected area

Eczema can benefit from geranium, thyme, and helichrysum EO

• apply topically to the affected area as needed

Hair Loss can be helped with thyme, rosemary, and lavender

• dilute 5 drops EO in a carrier oil (olive, jojoba, etc) and massage into scalp every night

Head Lice can be helped with lavender, lemon, and geranium EO

• dilute and apply to entire scalp, shampoo, and rinse 30 mins later. Repeat daily for several days

Itchiness can benefit from oregano, lavender, and peppermint EO

• apply topically to affected area as needed

Oily Hair can benefit from basil, thyme, and cypress EO

• add to shampoo when washing hair

Psoriasis can benefit from melaleuca, roman chamomile, and helichrysum

• apply topically to affected area a couple times a day

Sunburn can be helped with lavender, helichrysm, and melaleuca

• apply gently to affected area

I'm usually the type of person who sticks to what they know, especially when the "know" is a good one, and works! The usual brand of EO that I buy is Aura Cacia. You can read more about the brand, and learn details on specific EO  H E R E !!  EO by Aura Cacia I usually see at natural food stores, health stores, or just about anywhere that sells organic items, or supplements. The price I usually see for a bottle is about $12.


A new brand I've recently tried and like is by I Heart doTERRA. You can keep up with the happenings of doTerra by following on Twitter @iheardoterra or by visiting the site  H E R E !! On the site you can also get a FREE sample of EO to try.



Have you tried and essential oils yet? Which brands, which kinds, how do you use them? Let me know!!