Aromatherapy:   Your Guide to Using Essential Oils

Note:   When the combination is more than the sum of the parts, this is said to have a synergistic effect. Synergistic blends contain two or more oils mixed in such a way as to produce a chemical compound different to the component parts. They are powerful acting and direct and contain a vibrancy not otherwise attainable with just one oil. Proportions should be correct, however, and it is sometimes important to mix more than needed because a component part diluted in carrier oil may be only 0.001 of the whole, but that thousandth is vital to the whole. You can try to mix your own or try some aromatherapy blends available today (such as the blends from dōTERRA Essential Wellness).

There are many simple and satisfying ways to use essential oils in your everyday life. Whether you need to calm down, recover from a cold, wake up, feel more confident, or go to sleep, essential oils will benefit you.

A word or two of caution: Like any therapeutic tool, essential oils must be used with caution and respect. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin and never contact the eyes or sensitive parts of the body as they can cause redness and burning. If a stinging sensation, inflammation or burning does occur, apply a lot of carrier oil immediately. This will help to disperse the essential oils. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. (It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children.) Consider conducting a skin patch test prior to using an oil that you've never used before. Also do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner or physician.

If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Also be aware that citrus oils can cause skin photosensitization to the sun's ultraviolet rays and exposure to the sun should be restricted for no less than four hours after using such oils. People with high blood pressure, epilepsy, neural disorders, or kidney disease should be especially careful of oils such as cypress, rosemary, juniper, and black pepper as they may aggravate their conditions.

Ways to Use Aromatherapy Oils

Stress, pollution, unhealthy diets, hectic but inactive lifestyles all have adverse effects on our bodies and spirits. The art of aromatherapy harnesses the pure essences of aromatic plants, flowers and resins, to work on the most powerful of the senses-smell and touch-to restore the harmony of body and mind. Use the beneficial properties of essential oils to treat common ailments, promote good health, and emotional well being, and to enhance every aspect of your life. These potent, volatile essences are nature's gift to mind and body.

With our busy lifestyles, we can still easily add essential oils into our every-day lives. Below are a few easy suggestions:

• Blend a few drops of our aromatherapy oils with a natural-based non-oily lotion as a body cream. You'll get the healing benefits of aromatherapy without an oily residue. The body cream will enable the scent of the essential oils to linger on your skin longer
• Use 1/4 teaspoon in a full laundry load
• Add a few drops at the bottom of your child's baby wipes liquid
• Use on a cotton swab on a pillowcase (leaves no residue!)
• Drop a cotton ball into the vacuum cleaner
• Add a cotton ball in the dryer
• Add a drop or two in a humidifier
• Add a single drop to the water in your iron
• Add to a cotton ball in your lingerie drawer
• Dab a cotton swab onto a light bulb before light is turned on
• Swab a single drop on your kitchen burner
• Place a cotton ball in your pocket (leaves no residue!)
• Place a drop on a light bulb
• Use in an aromatherapy diffuser diluted with water
• Add oils into tub after your tub is filled to prevent evaporation, making sure to shut the bathroom door or pull the curtain on your bathtub to avoid the aroma from escaping
• Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, lean over and cover your head with a towel. Breathe deeply for three to five minutes (especially effective for clearing up sinus congestions and stuffiness caused by colds - use essential oil blends like the Wellness blend with camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus
• Place a few drops on your favorite oil on cotton and inhale
• Dilute and stir or rub on in a clockwise direction

(See Part 1 of this article for additional ideas.)

Something as simple as a scent can inspire an intense emotional reaction, heightening our senses and awakening our true desires. Try some today!

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Chandra is an independent representative for dōTERRA Essential Wellness, a company founded on a wellness philosophy of healthy lifestyle choices and informed proactive participation in one's own healthcare alternatives. dōTERRA's Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade™ essential oils and other wellness products are specifically formulated to support a wellness philosophy of eating right, exercising, resting and managing stress, and reducing toxic load. dōTERRA also teaches informed self care alternatives and encourages people to take a proactive role in their medical care. The dōTERRA mission is to teach people to live more healthy, productive lives and to share with others the blessing of a lifetime of wellness.

See the dōTERRA website for more information or to place an order.

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