January 2, 2011 in Essential Oils, Wellness, Workshops by empoweringwellness

A simple way to begin using Essential Oils

Using essential oils is intuitively simple. But, with many oils available, and seemingly endless combinations, beginners can sometimes feel overwhelmed.

I like to suggest that beginners start off with what I call the “holy trinity” of essential oils: lavender, lemon and peppermint. These are very easy oils to use and there are many everyday applications using just these three essential oils. I’ve provided a list of some examples for you here.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)

• Apply to the bottom of feet or on a pillow before sleeping
• Use to calm reaction to a bee sting or bug bite
• Use with bath salts for a relaxing spa bathing experience
• Apply to wrists or inhale when traveling to ease motion upset
• Lightly apply to sooth sunburn or scalded skin
• Apply to back, hands, or feet of a restless or agitated child
• Use to calm and soothe diaper rash
• Calm sensitive skin and soothe pores after hair removal
• Apply to dry, chapped lips before applying lip balm
• Use with peppermint for a healthy scalp massage
• Add to lotion for a stress-relieving hand massage

Lemon (Citrus limon)

• Apply a drop to a water bottle or to water served at restaurants
• Diffuse automatically or apply topically for mood elevation
• Add to a drop of honey to soothe a cough or sore throat
• Apply directly to cold sores for soothing relief
• Add a drop of lemon and peppermint to your toothbrush after use
• Diffuse in a room to neutralize odors
• Remove gum, label adhesives, and greasy substances from fabric
• Use to clean kitchen counters and stainless steel appliances
• Add to olive oil for a non-toxic furniture polish

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• Rub on stomach or feet, or take one drop internally to calm indigestion or upset stomach
• Use with lemon in water for a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse
• Diffuse aromatically or apply topically to open sinuses and airways
• Breathe before, or during a meal to help you feel full
• Apply with lavender to sore, tired muscles and joints
• Add to a cold water compress or foot bath to cool off when feeling overheated
• Inhale as a non-stimulant, invigorating pick-me-up on long drives
• Add to shampoo and conditioner for a stimulating hair and scalp massage
• Use with lavender and lemon during allergy season
• Spritz on a child’s shirt before study time to improve alertness

If you would like to learn more about how to use these oils and how essential oils can help with a number a women’s health issues, I invite you attend my workshop, Essential Oils for Women’s Health, on Thursday January 27, 2011.