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1. DO NOT USE NEAT.
Always make sure you dilute your essential oils in a base oil. Yes, essential oils are a natural product however they are made up of chemical constituents, some of which can cause harm if not used correctly. Using neat on the skin means risk of irritation and sensitisation.
2. DIFFUSE IT
Using a diffuser is a great way to make your space smell beautiful. It also kills off bacteria in the air and helps with respiratory conditions when you inhale.
3. MASSAGE IT
One of the most commonly and widely used applications of essential oils is through massage. The tiny molecules enter through our skin & hair follicles, there they enter the blood stream and travel around the body, working with the various systems, enabling them to heal.
4. SOAK IT
A beautiful aromatherapy bath or even making a foot bath is so wonderfully relaxing. Blend your chosen oils into a base oil before pouring into water. Essential oils are fat soluble, meaning they only dissolve in fat (an oil). If you pour them straight into the bath without a base oil, the essential oils will just float on top of the water and you are at risk of irritating your skin.
Do you want calming? Oils such as neroli, lavender, chamomile
Muscle soak? Ginger, black pepper, rosemary
Invigorating? Rosemary, grapefruit, orange, helichrysum, basil
5. INHALE IT
Have you been suffering with the winter sniffles? Can’t shift that nasty cough? Essential oils can be really powerful in clearing up congestion. You can use inhaler sticks or face steams – however most people haven’t got these knocking around so the best thing do it is….
Grab a towel & a bowl. Fill the bowl with hot water and add in some essential oils. Oils such as rosemary, eucalyptus, thyme, spanish sage, peppermint, tea tree are mucolytic / expectorant meaning they bring up mucous and expel from your body.
Put your head over the bowl, cover with a towel and take some deep breathes. Make sure your eyes are not under the towel – some of the essential oils can be strong and irritate the eyes. Repeat several times taking a break in between.
