5 WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS EVERY DAY

 BY DANA RAIDT 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve amassed quite a collection of essential oils—but have no idea how to use most of them beyond the occasional sniff to relieve a headache or get a quick energy boost. We’ve talked about which oils to use for detox, women’s health and gorgeous skin but what are the best ways to incorporate them into your everyday routines? Whether you want to battle fatigue, reduce tension or improve focus, read on for 5 ways to make the most of these powerful oils.

5 WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS EVERY DAY

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1. DIFFUSION

Diffuse oils in the morning is a great ways to get your date started on the right note. Throughout the day, try stimulating oils for work or study or uplifting oils if you need an energy boost. Try relaxing and sedative oils at bedtime. You can make a simple reed diffuser or buy a diffuser like this one that covers a larger area.

STIMULATING OILS

·      Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Wild orange, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Basil

UPLIFTING OILS

·      Lemon, Wild Orange, Peppermint, Bergamot, Geranium, Melissa

RELAXING OILS

·      Lavender, Lemon, Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Ylang Ylang

SEDATIVE OILS

·      Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Vetiver, Frankincence, Melissa

2. INHALE

Clear your mind then inhale directly from an open bottle or rub a drop of oil between your palms and breathe in the aroma. Do as needed throughout the day. Apply a few drops to a handkerchief and carry it in your pocket or make a terra cotta necklace that you can inhale whenever you like.

3. TOPICALLY

The most common places to apply oils are the bottoms of feet, chest, temple and pulse points. Once you’ve mastered that you can move on to different places on your body that align with specific ailments, aches and pains. Apply 2 to 3 drops (a little goes a long way) right on the skin, or combine 5 to 10 drops with a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed or olive oil.

Not all oils, or brands of oils, are safe to apply topically. Before applying any essential oil topically, check with the manufacturer to see if it’s safe to use that way. Then consult this handy map to find out where you should be applying your oils. Note: never use essential oils (even topically safe ones) in your ear canal or near your eyes!

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4. BATHS

Add 2-5 drops of essential oil to bath water or use with Epsom salts or carrier oil. Try one of these aromatherapy bath salt blends. Avoid using cinnamon, cassia, oregano, wintergreen and lemongrass in baths as they might irritate sensitive skin.

5. MASSAGE

Bring oil to your next massage or give yourself a massage at home to ease tension and get circulation moving (or even help with cellulite!) Make your own massage oil by adding 15-20 drops diluted to 1/2 cup of carrier oil. Start by massaging the feet as it allows oils to quickly enter the bloodstream.

ESSENTIAL OIL TIPS

·      This guide is not meant as a substitute for medical advice. Definitely talk to your doctor!

·      If you have easily irritated skin, try using essential oils with a carrier oil first. If redness occurs, apply carrier oil to the area to dilute the essential oil.

·      Citrus oils can increase sun sensitivity so avoid sun for 12 hours after applying.

·      To retain their potency keep essential oils stored away from sunlight and moisture.

·      Essential oils are extremely concentrated and can rub off nail polish and even melt plastic.

·      Oils, and carrier oils, can stain clothing, towels and furniture—so be careful!

·      Avoid using metal or plastic utensils or containers to mix or apply essential oils. Stick to glass or ceramic.

Read more at http://hellonatural.co/5-ways-to-use-essential-oils/#b48351lgpJg2Xka2.99

10 BEST: ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DETOX

BY STEPHANIE GERBER 

We’ve talked about essential oils for gorgeous skin and staying healthy, but now that it’s January we’re all thinking about detoxing and getting rid of holiday excess. Adding essential oils to your daily routine can help your body repair cells and remove toxic waste from the body. Quality matters here so make sure your oils are pure grade “A” essential oils (I’ve been getting mine from DoTerra). Here are 10 essential oils that support the natural systems of elimination in the body including liver, colon, lymph, skin, and kidneys.

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 I’ve included three essential oil blends that I’ve tried and liked (affiliate alert!) that contain more essential oils in one than I could ever afford to buy on my own. And as always, please talk to your doctor before using essential oils if you’re pregnant.

TOP 10 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DETOX

1. LEMON

This citrus oil stimulates white blood cells to defend the body against infection. Its detoxifying and regenerating properties are beneficial for the liver and aid in bringing clarity to the mind and emotions.

Everyday use: Add 2 drops of lemon to my water every morning to aid the lymphatic system. If you are not comfortable with ingesting essential oils (more info on that here), then simply add 1-2 drops of lemon oil to the bottom of your feet to enhance liver detox and the lymphatic system.

2. LAVENDER

Lavender essential oil has a calming scent, which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion, restlessness, and increases mental activity. However, this is also great for digestion, sleep, and even pain relief.

Everyday use: Put two drops on the wrists twice a day to support the adrenals or apply to the soles of the feet before bedtime.

3. GRAPEFRUIT

Grapefruit is antiviral, antiseptic, diuretic, and can aid the digestive system and skin. It refreshes the mind, relieves anxiety, is reviving, uplifting, and helps disperse negative energy. Grapefruit is ideal for supporting the body in decreasing unwanted mucus during detoxification.

Everyday use: Add to homemade body was or to carrier oil for an Ayurvedic massage that gets the blood and lymph moving.

4. PEPPERMINT

This is a fabulous oil for cleansing the lymphatic system, releasing weight gain and a sluggish digestion. When applied topically peppermint helps support the gallbladder, and decreases inflammation as well.

Everyday use: Add to homemade toothpaste or make your own teeth whitening scrub.

5. OREGANO

This is a powerful anti-bacterial oil; many of us are harboring pathogens, bacteria, parasites and more. This oil is high in antioxidants and wonderful at combating bronchitis, candida, parasites, and Strep throat.

Everyday use: Add a drop into a teaspoon of honey to soothe a sore throat or add to coconut oil for an instant hand sanitizer.

6. LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass is essential for drainage within the body. Some of the therapeutic properties of lemongrass include: analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, astringent and sedative.

Everyday use: Also a great beauty essential oil, lemongrass can be applied directly to the skin or added to your body lotion or other carrier oil.

7. WILD ORANGE

Cold-pressed from the orange peel, wild orange is excellent for energizing and revitalizing. It is also commonly used as an effective tool for uplifting mood, as well as for its wonderful citrusy aroma. For aromatic, topical, or dietary use.

Everyday use: Place 2-3 drops in a glass of water, then swish and spit or add 2-3 drops to a bowl of hot water for a steam inhalation to help colds and coughs. Orange oil also makes an excellent household cleanser.

8. GINGER

Ginger is a well-known stomach soother often use to aid digestion and eliminate motion sickness and nausea. You can find ginger essential oil in Slim & Sassy, which includes grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, ginger and cinnamon essential oils and is safe for internal use. The blend is ideal for cleansing the liver, balancing blood sugar, and improving metabolism.

Everyday use: Add 8 drops of Slim & Sassy to 16 ounces of water and drink between meals throughout the day to help manage hunger, calm your stomach and lift your mood.

9. JUNIPER

Juniper helps the body to throw off toxic wastes, improves elimination and supports liver function. Can be found in the Zendocrine essential oil blend of tangerine, rosemary, geranium, juniper berry, and cilantro essential oils that supports the body’s natural ability to rid itself of unwanted substances.

Everyday use: Add 2 drops to wrists twice a day to detox the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and skin.

10. FENNEL

Fennel helps with nausea, flatulence and constipation and is wonderful as an afternoon tea. Can be found in DigestZen, a blend of anise, caraway, coriander, fennel, ginger, peppermint and tarragon that helps alleviate congestion, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, motion sickness, nausea and stomach aches.

Everyday use: DigestZen can be taken internally as well as applied topically to the abdomen when stomach upset occurs and can be used safely by the entire family.

11. BERGAMOT

Stress is a major contributor to illness and disease. Bergamot creates a sense of well-being and relaxation and also regulates craving and lifts spirits.

Everyday use: Apply to the bottom of the feet at bedtime to promote restful sleep or add to a warm bath.

Read more at http://hellonatural.co/essential-oils-for-detox/#EJ7gdmTtdGOV6w1s.99