I love to show readers how to use Essential Oils. But first, I just want to clear up the issue of “pure” essential oils, and where to buy them. I’ve had a number or emails and Facebook comments asking about which oils I like best, and is it true that only certain brands are “pure” or “therapeutic”?
Purity is important because many essential oils can be diluted and adulterated with cheap plant oils to bulk them out. If you sniff a bottle of essential oil and it doesn’t smell very strong, it’s probably been diluted. “Therapeutic” means an oil that actually works on a therapeutic level – it does something other than just smell nice. In order for an oil to be therapeutic, it must be pure. There is very little label regulation when using these two terms, so you kind of have to know your brand. I am a little put off by the brands out there that say they are the only “pure” or “therapeutic” essential oil brand out there – this is absolutely not true. Their oils may indeed be “pure”, but there are many others. I always prefer a company that doesn’t come to me with a hard sell, or a pyramid marketing strategy (just not my thing).
Having studied oils for many years, there are two companies that I love here in the U.S. The first is Mountain Rose Herbs. I like this company because their oils are 100% pure, sustainably-harvested, mostly organic, and they have a huge inventory of not only every single oil you can think of, but also many other skin care making supplies.
The other is Uma Oils. I partnered with Uma to create my Gorgeous For Good wellness oil because her oils are some of the finest I have ever experienced. The owner Shrankhla, travels back and forth to her family’s organic essential oil estate in India, where they distill all their own oils. If you use my special code “GORGEOUS” at checkout you can get 15% off.
Anyway, here’s how to use your essential oils:
- Patch Test: Always do a patch test: Place a little of the diluted oil (3 drops in 1/2 tsp of vegetable oil) on your inner wrist and cover with band aid for 12 hours.
- Inhale: Diffuse the oils into the air by way of a cold air diffuser. I use one everyday, and by filling the air with the organic compounds, you inhale them into your Limbic system, where it affects the part of your brain that connects with your emotions. Different oils have very different (and specific) effects on your Limbic system – some will help you focus (peppermint), while others will feel uplifting and joyful (geranium). You can also inhale a few drops on a Kleenex or dropped into the palm of your hand (must be diluted first). You can also do it the old-fashioned way, and add 3 drops of an essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover the bowl with a towel and breath it in!
- Topical: You can apply some essential oils straight onto your skin. However, the oil should always be diluted in a base oil. This goes for a massage oil too. Dilute by adding 1 drop to a quarter teaspoon of carrier. oil.
- Shower: Add 6 – 7 drops of your fave oil (I like Eucalyptus or Lavender) to a face cloth, and rub it all over yourself as you stand in the hot shower.
Here are the oils that I recommend getting to build a basic care kit:
Lavender
Tea Tree
Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Lemon
- Clove
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