How to use Essential Oils?

Essential oils come from plants, obtained from different parts such as roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, hairs and seeds. These substances are extracted from the plant by pressing, extraction or steam distillation. Because this process requires a large amount of plant material, these oils are very concentrated. To give you a better idea: for one bottle of eucalyptus oil you need half a kilo of eucalyptus leaves! Essential oils smell very nice and look innocent, but you still have to be careful with them. Below you can read why and how to ensure you use them correctly:

Essential oils with a diffuser

One of the most commonly used ways of using essential oils is through an aroma diffuser. This can be a regular diffuser, but we prefer to use a wooden block to reduce plastic. With both methods you only need a few drops of essential oils to spread a wonderful scent. With a diffuser, make sure that you clean the aroma diffuser regularly. You can do this by wiping a simple cloth through the water reservoir.

Use on the skin

Using the oil on the skin is something else. Because essential oils are so incredibly concentrated, they can cause redness, itching and even burns. It is therefore very important that you dilute the oil before applying it to the skin. You can do this with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil. This way you also spread the essential oil better over your skin. We recommend that you first start by applying a drop of oil to the hand to see how the skin reacts. In addition, it is important to start with a small amount of essential oil in your skin care.

Essential oils as a cleaning agent

Essential oils, such as lemon, tea tree and peppermint, are fantastic natural cleaning agents. With their antibacterial properties, they clean surfaces, dispel odors and provide a fresh, natural way to clean your home, without harmful chemicals. You can easily make your own all-purpose cleaner by mixing 10 drops of essential oil with 125 ml of water and 125 ml of vinegar. Put this in a spray bottle, shake and you're done! Before use, do a small test with a spray on a surface to see if no reactions occur.

Inhalation

Add a few drops of essential oil such as tea tree or eucalyptus to hot water and inhale the steam. This can relieve cold symptoms and clear the airways. While eucalyptus is very beneficial for the respiratory tract, scents such as cloves and cinnamon can cause irritation. Also make sure you don't inhale the vapor for too long. Too much inhalation for long periods may cause headaches, dizziness or respiratory irritation. A few minutes is usually enough!

Bath and shower

You can also use essential oils in the bath or shower. Add a few drops to your bath, or put a few drops in a washcloth and put it in the shower for ultimate relaxation with your favorite scent. With this method it is also advisable to first do a test on the skin to avoid irritation.

It is important to be careful and choose the right oil and method for you. Listen to your body and discontinue use if you experience negative reactions. If in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional.