I use essential oils daily and absolutely love the benefits of the practice of aromatherapy. Most often I diffuse oils using a nebulizer and apply them directly to my skin with carrier oils for various purposes, such as keeping my immune system strong (with Thieves Oil), sleep and relaxation, headache relief (peppermint oil) and for my overall wellbeing. Today, I am sharing an article from the Province Apothecary team that highlights the benefits of a number of essential oils and they have also shared 3 methods for enjoying aromatherapy at home.
I was honoured to have been featured in Province Apothecary's "Women We Admire" series. Check out the article here to read my top 5 skin care tips, my morning routine, and the foods I recommend for healthy, vibrant skin! And to learn all about Province Apothecary and to read about my recent visit and treatment featured on my "Toronto Love" page click here.
Essential Oils for the skin, body and mind
Aromatherapy is a versatile healing modality that can be easily incorporated in your daily life. At our studio we use the powerful benefits of aromatherapy in Custom Organic Facials, Custom Organic Serums for our amazing clients, and in our office diffuser. Below we highlight our favourite essential oils to use for the skin, body and mind.
Essential oils have so many benefits to our health and wellbeing, and there are numerous ways of incorporating them into our home lives. Whether you want to clean the air in your home, induce relaxation after a long day, or recover from a cold, here are some of the best ways to use essential oils at home:
Essential oils have so many benefits to our health and wellbeing, and there are numerous ways of incorporating them into our home lives. Image courtesy of Province Apothecary, source: Pinterest + bustle.com.
Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis. Due to it's antibacterial, anti fungalantimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant qualities, it's highly useful in fighting any bugs that may be getting you down while relieving stuffiness and pain. We suggest using a few drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil in a steam inhalation, for when you come down with a cold or are feeling congested. This will help break up any excess mucous while fighting infection at the same time.
Lemon - Lemons are vitamin C rich fruits that enhance your beauty by rejuvenating skin from within + bringing a youthful glow to your face. Lemon can be used as an antiseptic to clear bacteria (a leading cause of acne), lighten scarring and sun spots, and clarify + brighten complexions. Lemon is a stimulating and invigorating scent. Find it in our Focus Now Therapeutic Roll On which aids in improving concentration, reducing mental fatigue and stimulating mental clarity. We recommend using citrus essential oils throughout the season to avoid 'winter blues' as they are uplifting + increase positivity.
Turmeric - Turmeric is a very strong antioxidant and has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine throughout history. It is considered a herb that cleanses the whole body, especially the liver. It is used to support digestion, treat fever, infections and inflammations. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Topically turmeric is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial. It is best for treating eczema and dermatitis. It also works to soften skin, restoring the skin’s natural glow. It's very effective in reducing any kind of bacterial infection, calming redness and soothing irritation. Find Turmeric in our Healing Eczema Balm! Turmeric's scent has a grounding effect - great when you are feeling 'unlike yourself'.
Sandalwood - Sandalwood reduces inflammation, anxiety, fear, stress, and restlessness. It creates relaxation, calmness, concentration, inner vision, and positive thoughts. Topically it can be used to treat hyper-pigmentation, reduce scarring and sun spots. It's antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, widely used to treat infections and ensure protection against unwanted bacteria. Sandalwood is a relaxant in nature, and provides the same relaxation benefits to our digestive tract + spirit.
Rose Otto - Rose Oil boosts self esteem, confidence, and mental strength while efficiently combating depression. It relieves spasms in the respiratory system and intestines, as well as muscular spasms in various limbs. It's great for females to use this oil during their menstruation cycle to reduce cramps and irritability.
3 Methods for Enjoying Aromatherapy at Home
Essential oils have so many benefits to our health and wellbeing, and there are numerous ways of incorporating them into our home lives. Whether you want to clean the air in your home, induce relaxation after a long day, or recover from a cold, here are some of the best ways to use essential oils at home:
1. Use a Diffuser
Nebulizing diffusers are often considered the most powerful type of diffusers. They do not need water or heat to get the essential oil in to the air and they work by using an atomizer to create fine, airborne particles of essential oils and blowing them in to the air. They keep a near-continuous stream of essential oils in the air.
Ultrasonic diffusers work in a similar way to nebulizing diffusers by creating a fine mist. The difference is that ultrasonic diffusers use water and essential oils to create a cool mist of water/oils that releases in to the air. They double as a humidifier, so they are beneficial in winter, but they don’t put out as strong of a concentration of essential oils since they also use water.
2. Herbal Steam Inhalation
Great for when your sinuses are feeling stuffed up, a steam inhalation is one of the best ways to get the most out of the antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiinflammatory benefits of essential oils. Simply warm up some water on the stove until steam begins to rise. Turn off the stove and let the water cool down just a bit, add 3-5 drops of essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Rosemary, or Lavender to the water. Place your face a safe distance from the hot water but close enough to inhale the steam, and cover your head and the pot with a towel to keep the steam from dispersing away from your face. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. You'll begin to feel your sinuses clearing out within a few minutes.
Bonus: You can also use this method to brighten your complexion. Check out our post on Herbal Facial Steams for beauty here.
3. Add Oils to the Bath
After a long day, or when your muscles are feeling sore, draw a bath and add a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil, which both are helpful for relieving tension, whether it be mental or muscular tension. The warm water will help loosen up your muscles, and your pores will open up allowing for the oils to be more effectively absorbed into the skin and tissues. Add a carrier oil such as olive oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil for some extra moisturizing.
Read about my recent visit and treatment at Province Apothecary on my Toronto Love page here and learn about the benefits of the practice of Dry Brushing from Province Apothecary on my Beauty Page too!
Special thanks to Province Apothecary for sharing this article. Don't forget to check out Province Apothecary on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and on their website.
Much love,
#LoveWildLiveFree
This post was in collaboration with Province Apothecary. This is an unpaid endorsement. I only write about products and services that I personally use and that are of the highest integrity.
To work with Avra and Love Wild Live Free on collaborations, sponsored posts and reviews please get in touch on the Contact page!