For the past few years, I've been researching essential oil and its uses, safety and creating recipes of various blends.
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What is Essential Oil?
Essential Oils are compounds extracted from plants. The essential oil captures the plant's scent and flavour also called ‘essence'.Unique aromatic compounds give essential oil its characteristic essence. Essential Oil is extracted from plants through the distillation process or cold-pressed. Once it is extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil and the product is ready to use.
How do Essential Oils Work?
Essential Oil is used in the practice of aromatherapy, they are inhaled or diluted and rubbed on the skin. The essential oil should never be swallowed. When applied on the skin some plant compounds are absorbed. Inhaling stimulates limbic system (Part of a brain which plays a role in emotion, memories) Limbic system also controls unconscious physiological functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure. However, this has yet to be confirmed in studies.
How to Use Essential Oil?
There are various ways to use essential oil, some of them are described below:
Vaporisation
Add up to 5 drops of essential oil to an electric diffuser. Add water in a diffuser as per the given instruction on the package and then add essential oil. I use this one for the last few years..This method is used for scenting and freshening a room, repelling insects, easing congestion or helping to keep air purified. It is also a great way to aid relaxation, energise, mood enhancer or to create a peaceful environment before bed.
Caution: Keep diffuser out of reach from children & pets. Never let the diffuser dry out.
Bath
Run a warm bath not too hot or the essential oil will evaporate quickly. Add drops of essential oil or 5 ml of a blend of carrier oil and essential oils to the bath. This method is used for relaxation, wind off.
Caution: Some essential oils such as mint, citrus or spice can irritate the skin, so be cautious before using. Always dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil if trying for the first time
Skin Care
To make facial oils, mix the essential oil with a nourishing carrier oil such as avocado, coconut. Use only one drop of essential oil per 5 ml of carrier oil. Massage on to skin until absorbed. Essential Oil may be added to toners, masks, moisturisers to help enhance the appearance of skin.
If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Hair Care
Essential Oil can be used in shampoo, conditioners, hair masks and hair rinses to nourish and improve the condition of hair. Essential oil is used to control dandruff and encourage healthy hair growth.
Room Sprays
Essential Oils may be used to make room sprays, candles and air fresheners to help scent the room and create a relaxing environment.
General Safety Guidelines
Essential Oils are highly concentrated substance, care should be taken while using them. Here are some general safety guidelines:
· Except for lavender and tea tree oil, essential oil should never be used neat on the skin as it may cause irritation.
· Always follow recipes carefully.
· When applying the blend on skin, hair or body it is better to do a patch test and wait for 24 hrs before proceeding.
· Essential Oil should never be ingested.
· Some essential oil may not be suitable for some individuals who are pregnant or have a medical condition- always check safety information before use.
· No essential oil should be used in the first trimester of pregnancy. Forgoing the use of all essential oils may be wise.
· Essential Oil should be stored in a cool, dark place out of reach of children and pets.
1) DIFFUSER BLENDS
DE-STRESS BLEND
2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
2 drops of cinnamon essential oil
Add the essential oils to an oil burner or a diffuser. This relaxing blend is used to help reduce stress levels.
NOTE: This blend should not be used during pregnancy.
RELAXING BLEND
3 drops of orange essential oil
2 drops of ylang-ylang oil
Add the essential oil to an oil burner or a diffuser. This blend helps to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
NOTE: This blend should not be used during pregnancy.
UPLIFTING BLEND
3 drops of lemongrass essential oil
2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
Add the essential oils to an oil burner or a diffuser. This blend is used to help lift the mood and reduce stress.
NOTE: This blend should not be used during pregnancy.
CALMING BLEND
2 drops of lavender essential oil
2 drops of orange essential oil
1 drop of ylang-ylang essential oil
Add the essential oils to an oil burner or diffuser. This blend will help to create a tranquil atmosphere.
NOTE: This blend should not be used during pregnancy.
FOCUS BLEND
2 drops of peppermint essential oil
2 drops of cinnamon essential oil
1 drop of rosemary essential oil
Add the essential oils to an oil burner or diffuser. Use this blend when studying or working on an important project to help to stay focused.
NOTE: This blend should not be used during pregnancy.
2) SKIN, HAIR & BODY CARE BLENDS
BALANCING FACIAL OIL
1 tsp of jojoba oil
1 drop of ylang-ylang essential oil
Mix the jojoba and ylang-ylang essential oil together then apply to the face and neck. Spend a few minutes massaging until absorbed, blotting any excess with tissue if necessary.
Jojoba has similar properties to the skin’s sebum and ylang-ylang helps to brighten and balance the skin.
BLEMISH FIGHTING BLEND
1 drop of tea tree essential oil
1 drop of lavender essential oil
Add the tea tree and lavender essential oils to a small bowl. Using a cotton swab, apply the blend directly to blemishes twice a day.
Note: Individuals with sensitive skin should dilute the blend before using.
GREEN TEA & APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TONER
A ¾ cup of strong green tea
A ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar
5 drops of lavender essential oil
5 drops of tea tree essential oil
Make the green tea and allow to cool completely. Add apple cider vinegar and essential oils and mix well. Store in a glass bottle in the fridge (this will keep for a week) To use, place a small amount on a cotton pad and sweep over face and neck after cleansing. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties which calm the skin. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the skin’s natural pH levels and speeds up the removal of dead cells.
ANTI-DANDRUFF HAIR RINSE
2 cups of water
½ cup apple cider vinegar
5 drops of tea tree essential oil
5 drops of rosemary essential oil
Mix all ingredients together and store in a spray bottle. (Always use glass bottles) To use, shake well and apply to the hair after shampooing. Massage on the scalp and leave for a few minutes before rinsing.
NOTE: Blend should be avoided by individuals with epilepsy.
BODY SCRUB
4 tbsp sea salt or granulated sugar
2 tbsp coconut oil
6 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
Mix the salt or sugar, coconut oil and essential oils in a bowl until well combined. Transfer into a jar and store in a cool place. Massage on to damp skin to buff away dead skin cells and boost stimulation, then rinse off.
FOOT SCRUB
4 tbsp of Epsom Salt or sea salt
2 tbsp coconut oil
3 drops of tea tree oil
3 drops of peppermint oil
Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combines. Massage into the feet and legs before rinsing off. The salt will help buff away hard skin and the coconut oil will leave skin feeling soft and smooth.
3) BATH AND SHOWER BLENDS
ENERGISING BATH SALTS
2 cups of Epsom salt
1 cup of sea salt
6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
6 drops of rosemary essential oil
6 drops of peppermint essential oil
Mix all ingredients together and store in a container. Add a teaspoonful to a warm bath to help prepare the mind and body to help prepare for the busy day ahead.
RELAXING BATH SALTS
2 cups of sea salt
1 cup of Epsom Salt
6 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
6 drops of orange essential oil
Mix all ingredients together and store in a container. Add a teaspoonful to a warm bath to help relax.
SOOTHING BATH SALTS
1 cup of sea salt
1 cup of Epsom salt
1 cup of rolled oats
18 drops of lavender essential oil
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