Pure Essential Oils Uses And Treatments

Pure essential oils have been used for aromatherapy, skin treatment and other purposes for thousands of years. The oils are made from the essence of the plant. Common essential oils include sandalwood, lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus; hundreds of other oils are available for many different uses and treatment methods. Always be aware of safety issues when using pure essential oils, says "Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art." Pure oils are commonly diluted with a small amount of carrier oil such as olive or almond oil.

Air Freshening and Aromatherapy

Pure essential oils are commonly used for air freshening and aromatherapy. Add oils to a heated burner or place in a jar with small reeds. Create a room air freshener by adding eight to 10 drops of oils to an empty spray bottle. Fill with water and shake. According to www.aromathyme.com, you should avoid mugwort, rue, sassafras, tansy, thuja and wormwood for aromatherapy and air freshening.

Bathing

Add several drops of essential oils to your bath water. Drop between five and 10 drops of oil into warm bath water before getting in. The oils will add moisture to the water, and the aromatherapy will promote relaxation. Additional benefits include increased circulation and reduction of stress and nervous tension. Common oils to add to baths are lavender and clary sage.

Massage

Use essential oils as lubricant during massage. The oils will have a therapeutic and relaxing effect. Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil. Safe dilution levels for adults are between 2 and 10 percent; children under 12 should use a dilution level of 1 percent. Add several drops into the palm of your hand and rub together to warm the oil. Slowly press onto the skin during the massage to both moisturize the skin and promote the individual oil's therapeutic effects.

Inhalation

For quick effects, rub a small amount of oil onto your palm and cup your hand around your nose. Inhale the oil for deep inhalation effects. Oils that promote anti-microbial activity and immunity can be quickly inhaled using this method. Another option is to add several drops of oil to a steam or vapor machine. Still another is to boil a pot of water and add several drops of oils to the water. Place your head over the steam and drape with a towel.

Therapeutic Effects

There are hundreds of essential oils with a variety of therapeutic effects, ranging from circulatory stimulation to relaxation to promoting stimulation. Each oil has a variety of uses when applied through massage or aromatherapy. Lavender is one of the most common essential oils used to promote relaxation, decrease depression, boost immunity and decrease inflammation.