Use of essential oils: instructions on how to use essential oils to make the most of their properties and benefits.
Use of essential oils, instructions
Essential oils Against insomnia
The quality of sleep can be improved by wetting a handkerchief with 2 drops of a blend of mandarin essence, ylang ylang essential oil and lemon balm essential oil. The handkerchief must be placed on the pillow “within reach of your nose”. Aromatherapy suggests that by inhaling this blend it will be possible to relieve anxiety, nervousness and stress.
Essential oils against itching
3 drops of peppermint essential oil, dissolved in a tablespoon of sweet almond oil, can create an ointment to relieve itching caused by insect bites or skin dehydration.
Essential oils against swollen feet
After a long walk, for a relaxing foot bath it is recommended to use lavender essential oil emulsified in hot water with a handful of epsom salt.
Essential oils for pain relief
The most widespread use of essential oils consists in the preparation of ointments and compresses to counteract different types of pain. Speaking of essential oils and pain, we advise you to read the page dedicated to essential oils that relieve pain. On the page you will find natural remedies for menstrual pain, muscle pain, joint pain, bruises, toothache …
Essential oils against coughs and colds
Also to soothe the symptoms of colds and decongest the airways, it is possible to add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil as an aerosol. Those who do not have the machine to make the aerosol will only have to add 6-7 drops to a saucepan of hot water and breathe in the steam produced, taking care to cover the head with a towel so as to form a small inhalation chamber.
Essential oils against bad odors
A few drops of lemon essential oil can be used to eliminate bad smells from the washing machine, refrigerator or dishwasher.
Home deodorants with essential oils
The most popular use of essential oils sees them as protagonists of air fresheners and essence diffusers to deodorize the home.
Essential oils to perfume linen
If you want clothes, sheets, towels and scented linens, you can take advantage of essential oils. Mix 40 ml of food alcohol and 60 ml of water and add:
- 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- 5 drops of mint essential oil
Transfer everything to a spray bottle to spray on the laundry you want to dry. Keep it exposed to the air to let the food alcohol fade, a good sweet scent will remain on the fabrics (thanks to the orange essence), a clean scent (thanks to the lemon essence) and a fresh smell (thanks to the peppermint essential oil).
Use of essential oils, contraindications and advice
Although essential oils are natural remedies, they should not be used superficially. Each essential oil has case-specific contraindications. Among the general contraindications we can tell you that, for internal use, essential oils can interact with drugs or foods therefore, before proceeding with a treatment, the advice of a doctor is always recommended. Other general contraindications concern external use: any essential oil should never be used pure on the skin.
An essential oil must always be diluted in carrier oil at concentrations that reach a maximum of 3%. For strong essential oils such as thyme, clove or cinnamon, the concentration even drops between 0.5 and 1%. Essential oils considered “strong” are rich in phenols or dermocaustic aldehydes, ie active ingredients that can cause severe skin irritation.
