The use of essential oils, a practice known as aromatherapy, is a centuries old method believed to have originated in Arabic countries.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are obtained by collecting the oil that seeps from flower blossoms. These oils are very concentrated and often take thousands of blossoms to create just a few teaspoons of essential oils. While essential oils could be used like an early form of perfume simply because they smell good, their more common use was in methods of healing. They are still very popular today for that reason.

Our sense of smell, while often viewed as one of the lesser of the five senses, is in fact far more potent than many people realize. Scent is often responsible for imprinting memories on our brains. Many of deepest memories are triggered when we experience the scent of whatever we smelled when that memory occurred.

Our sense of smell has a unique effect on our emotions and moods. As much of the body’s physical well-being derives from the mind, essential oils help to balance out ones mind and thus heal ones body.

Using Essential Oils

Different essential oils affect a person in different ways. You can achieve your desired outcome, whether it be more energy, treating depression, or easing the pain of a headache, by using an appropriate oil. The most common way of using essential oils is probably the bath method. To do so, run a bath and put 4-5 drops of essential oil on the surface. The drops of oil spread across the top of the water and are absorbed by the person’s skin; the hot water aids in the absorption. Few things de-stress the body after hard day better than a hot bath with a few drops of lavender oil.

Candles made with essential oils are equally effective, as the scent of the oil is released while the candle burns. Be sure the candle is actually made with pure essential oil. Synthetic fragrance oil will not have the same effect. Soaps made with essential oils are also a safe way to experience their benefits.

Because essential oils are so concentrated, they should almost always be diluted in a bowl of water or “carrier oil” such as sweet almond or canola oil. (In the case of a bar of soap, the soap itself is the diluting agent). Lavender oil is the exception, as it is gentle enough to use straight on the skin without diluting. But some other oils can burn the skin if used in large doses or directly on the skin. When in doubt, dilute. 2-3 drops of oil in a bowl of water or carrier oil will generally do the trick for most ailments. Use your fingers or a cloth to apply the diluted oil to the skin. Essential oils should never be taken internally.

Keep It Simple

Because the brain can only process so many smells at one time, do not use more than 3 or 4 different types of essential oil at once. The brain may have trouble discerning which is which if more are used. Also, using the same oil for too many days in a row will desensitize the olfactory and make the oil less effective. It’s best not to use an oil for more than 10 days in a row without taking a break in between.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is merely opinion. I am not a medical doctor or a scientist and this information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your own doctor for medical advice. The information on this website is intended for informational purposes only. The information on this website should not be used for treatment or medical diagnosis. Always seek professional medical advice from your doctor before beginning any new practices.

The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. If you choose to rely on the information on this website, you do so at your own risk and you assume responsibility for the results. (Full disclaimer here)

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