There are a multitude of ways to use essential oils. You can fill your environment with great scents and at the same time you can prevent and cure certain problems. They can be used by external use, some examples are:
Bath recipe: When taking a bath you can add 6 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil, sweet almond or jojoba are great for baths, mix well close the door and enjoy a bath. This way you will be getting the benefits of Geranium Oil penetrating the skin and by inhaling the scent of your bath
Hot steam inhalation: Add 2 to 4 drops of essential oils into a bowl filled with hot water. Cover your heat with a towel and breathe in the steam coming out from the bowl use the towel to prevent the steam from going away. Make sure you close your eyes while you do this. You can breathe the steam for a couple minutes. If you suffer from asthma, you should only add one drop of essential oil in the bowl with hot water.
Other methods include: Massage, compresses. You should be careful if you are pregnant or if you want to use the oils on kids. They are certain essential oils that are not recommended for pregnant women and kids. You should get your doctors advice before using them.
Carrier Oils
Essential oils in their natural state are very concentrated therefore they should not be applied directly to the skin without been diluted before. That is where the carrier oils come. Carrier oil, also known as base oil or vegetable oil, is used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma. Make sure that the quality of your carrier oil is the best. The better quality carrier oils and essential oils are the better the results.
Carrier oils offer different properties and the choice depends on the therapeutic benefit being sought they do not evaporate but they usually have a shorter shelf life and can be mixed with a natural preservative such as vitamin E for longer storage. Carrier oils should be natural, non refined and preferably cold-pressed make sure that there are no chemical preservatives or colorants added to the carrier oils. This ensures that the therapeutic qualities remain in the oil and that they have not been damaged by heat or chemicals.
Carrier oils offer a different combination of therapeutic properties and characteristics. The choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit you are looking for.
Some examples of the most common carrier oils and benefits are:
Sweet Almond oil
o Very good on any skin type
o Nourishes and soften the skin
o Calms inflammations
Coconut oil
o Excellent for dry or chemical treated hair
o Olive oil
o Excellent for dry skin or dry hair
o Helps reduce inflammation
o Helps to prevent the formation of wrinkles
Natural lotions, creams, body oils, bath oils, lip balms and other moisturizing skin care products are also made using carrier oils. From a simple essential oil/carrier oil blend to a more complex natural lotion, your choice of carrier oil can make a difference in the therapeutic properties, color, overall aroma and shelf life of your final product.
