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Essential oils are aromatic compounds that are volatile. Usually extracted from the bark, flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, stems, and other plant parts. The benefits vary, from improving mood, overcoming aches, overcoming digestive problems, to reducing premenstrual symptoms (PMS). This depends on the basic ingredients of each.
There are many ways to use essential oils, depending on the effect you want and the type of essential oil you have. For those of you who are just trying out essential oils, don't get confused. Here are various ways to use essential oils that can be used as a reference.
Various ways to use essential oils
There are various choices of ways to use essential oils, such as:
Inhaled
Source: Health Living
Essential oils can be used by inhaling. You do this by putting it in a special container called a diffuser, spray, or drop it into a basin filled with hot water. This one method is usually used to deal with a bad mood or is in need of calm. In addition, inhaling this oil can be useful as a respiratory disinfectant and a decongestant (relieves breathing).
Besides producing a pleasant aroma, inhaling essential oils can stimulate the olfactory system, namely the nose as well as the brain. When the molecules you breathe in reach the brain, usually the limbic system is stimulated.
The limbic system is the part of the brain that regulates emotional functions, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, memory, stress, and hormonal balance. That way, essential oils can have an effect on the body as a whole.
Apply to the skin
Source: Leaf.tv
Apart from being inhaled, essential oils can also be used by applying them to the skin. Applying and massaging the specific area can improve blood circulation in the area and allow the oil to be absorbed properly.
But keep in mind, never apply essential oils to the skin without diluting them with a carrier oil (eg coconut or olive oil). The reason is, this can cause the skin to experience severe irritation.
Also, try to do an allergy test before applying it to your skin. You do this by applying essential oils that have been diluted with carrier oil on the skin of the arms. Then, wait for the reaction for 24 to 48 hours. If during that time your skin doesn't have any problems such as redness or itching, then this oil is safe for you to use on other parts of your body.
Mixed in the bath
Source: Health of Wellness
You can also combine the benefits of the two methods above by dripping the essential oil in a warm bath. That way, you can inhale the aroma as well as help the oil to soak into the skin.
However, be careful if your skin is experiencing irritation, an allergic reaction, or if you have a sore. We recommend that you consult your doctor first before you shower or bathe with essential oils.
