Essential Oils are highly concentrated plant extracts which are created through steam distillation or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. The oil that is extracted during this process has the plant's scent and flavor, or “essence”. Essential oils are very powerful, should be used with care, & stored out of the reach of little children. For example, one drop of peppermint essential oil has the same strength of ten cups of peppermint tea. Since essential oils are so powerful, we never recommend ingesting them as they can disrupt our delicate microbiome system. Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil for topical applications, I personally love clear jojoba oil. My favorite way to enjoy essential oils is using them in a diffuser. Not only does it make our whole home smell amazing, my whole family gets to reap the aromatherapy benefits at the same time! Here are three of my favorite essential oils to utilize for health & wellness
1. Refuge Blend: Hands down my favorite blend to use when my family is sick. It is a combination of Therapeutic Grade Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon, & Rosemary essential oils. Diffusing Refuge will instantly fill any space with a warm, spicy aroma that is both soothing & comforting.
I love to add a few drops of this blend to a glass roller ball, fill the rest with a carrier oil & roll it on our feet before bed. (The skin on our feet is thicker than other parts of our body so applying it here means we are less likely to have any adverse reaction - mostly the cinnamon found in Refuge can be a bit warming when used topically) My most favorite way to use
Refuge is by diffusing I really love the scent of this blend.
2. Everyday Wellness Blend: The name captures why I really love using this blend, it really is perfect for everyday use! It is a combination of Therapeutic Grade Sweet Orange, Lemon, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Frankincense & Eucalyptus Essential Oils. It has a delightful citrusy scent that is refreshing & soothing. This is a great blend to dilute & use topically in place of Vicks vapor rub. Everyday Wellness is the perfect blend for any DIY cleaning recipe or you can add a few drops to your wool dryer balls to naturally refresh your clothes. Lastly, I love diffusing this one during the fall & winter months when coughs & colds
abound. (This is a blend for those who do not prefer the scent of cinnamon & clove - found in our other blend Refuge)
3. Respiratory Relief Blend: This is a great blend to diffuse at night if someone in your family has a cold, cough or is congested. Crafted with Therapeutic Grade Lavender, Myrrh, Peppermint, Cypress, Myrtle, & Eucalyptus essential oils - it is sure to become a staple in your first aid kit. Dilute & use topically in place of vicks vapor rub or add a few drops to witch hazel in a glass bottle & spritz it on your bed linens before bed. If you have achy muscles & congestion this is an excellent blend to use in a warm soak.
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Fix yourself a large cup of water with lemon or herbal tea & put it next to your bathtub. (Grab your favorite book as well if you like)
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Begin filling your bath with the warmest water you can comfortably relax in. (bearing in mind you will be soaking for 15-20 minutes)
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Measure out one or two cups of Epsom Salt & add eight drops of Respiratory Relief Blend directly to the salt.
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While the bathwater is still running add the Epsom Salt (with essential oils in it) under the running water - this helps it to all mix together.
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Get in & soak for at least 15 - 20 minutes, sipping your water with lemon or herbal tea.
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When your time is up, pat yourself dry, put on your favorite cozy clothes & rest!
I hope you give Essential Oils a try & see if they are a good fit for you! I enjoy having multiple tools in my toolbelt as I navigate my overall health & wellness. I certainly avail modern medicine when needed & also love using natural remedies as well.
Wishing you health & joy,
Brooke Summers
