Uses Of Essential Oils

An essential oil can be defined as a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid, which is made from the volatile aroma compounds derived from plants. The term 'essential' is used before the oils because they contain an essence (i.e. distinctive scent) of the plant from which they have been derived. There was a time when essential oils were mainly used in aromatherapy only. However, with the passing time, their use has expanded to other many area of daily life as well. Do you want to explore the uses of essential oils further? If yes, then go through the following lines and find all the desired information.  

 

 

If you are feeling too stressed out, try pouring a few drops, say 3-4 drops, of your favorite essential oil on a tissue paper or a handkerchief. Now, bring the tissue/ handkerchief close to your nose and inhale the fragrance. You will feel your muscles relaxing within a few minutes. In case you are trying a particular essential oil for the first time, it is better to use one drop only, lest you end up having a reaction to the oil.

 

If you are suffering from colds or influenza, inhaling the steam of water, to which few drops of an essential oil have been added, is a good idea. Boil 2 cups of water, pour them in a pan and add 3-7 drops of your essential oil. Place your nose about 12" away from the bowl cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. You are advised to use fewer drops in case of essential oils that may cause irritation to your mucous membranes.

 

Gone are the days when people knew of only incense sticks, for the purpose of refreshing their room. Now, essential oils are used for this purpose as well. Boil 2 cups of water, pour them in a pan and add 3-7 drops of your essential oil. Now, place the bowl in a corner of your room and let its vapors scent the whole space. You can also make use of an aromatherapy diffuser or lamp scent ring, for diffusing the scent of an essential oil.

 

Though many people are unaware of the fact, essential oils are also used as natural repellent against insects. This holds especially true for citronella, lavender, and peppermint oil. All you have to do is pour a few drops of the essential oil onto tissues or cotton balls. Now, place them near your doorways and windows. You will soon find lots of insects being repelled from the scent of these essential oils.

 

This is one of those uses of essential oils, which almost everyone in this world is aware of. You can add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil to 1 ounce of any carrier oil, say sweet almond oil. Heat it slightly and use it to give a relaxing massage to your loved ones. Make sure to dilute the oils, with carrier oils, before using them. At the same time, keep the oils away the eyes as well as genital areas, as they are very sensitive.

 

Other Uses