Essential Oils

Essential oils are a concentrated extract from different plants, flowers, fruits, and trees. Though they are not a substitute for attending counseling sessions with licensed professionals, essential oils can have therapeutic and medicinal benefits for some individuals and can be used in various ways. The main application form of essential oils is through a diffuser or through topical application. If you are planning to apply essential oils to your skin, it is very important to dilute it with a carrier oil (ex. fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil) before use. It is also best to consider pure medical-grade oils, as they are free of potentially harmful ingredients. If you have animals in the home, please make sure the oils you are using are pet-friendly.

If you are new to using essential oils, here are a few popular oils and what they can be used for:

Lemon

Commonly used to boost immunity, disinfect and brighten surfaces, plus increase circulation and lymphatic flow. Lemon is antibacterial and can be used to treat bug bites or pimples when applied topically with a carrier oil. Being an acidic fruit, lemon oil can cause your skin to become sensitive to the sun, making it very important to stay out of direct sunlight when using it topically.

Here is a recipe for lemonwood/furniture polish: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/diy-furniture-polish

Lavender

Lavender oil is commonly used to decrease stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, can help with combating insomnia. Paired with professional services such as Registered Massage Therapy, the use of lavender oil can enhance the quality of life in many ways. Lavender has been shown to increase relaxation and has antibacterial properties similar to lemon oil. A great way to use this versatile oil is in a spray bottle diluted with water and witch hazel to make a pillow spray! A few spritzes at bedtime can help you relax and fall asleep.

Here is a recipe for lavender linen spray: https://eye-swoon.com/recipes/homemade-lavender-linen-spray/

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is commonly used to aid digestion, minimize nasal congestion, help with headaches and decrease feelings of fatigue. Next time you have a headache, place a few drops in a diffuser or mix it with a carrier oil and apply it to your temples for pain relief! However, if headaches are a common occurrence for you, we recommend booking a session with your local RMT or Chiropractic practitioner. Furthermore, peppermint oil can be used naturally as a repellent against bugs such as ants, spiders, flies, and aphids!

Here is a recipe for peppermint bug repellent: https://www.ehow.com/how_2164042_use-peppermint-oil-as-insect.html

Essential oils have a wide range of uses and benefits both therapeutically and in everyday life. Our Naturopath, Dr. Amani El Sawaf, often uses essential oils in her practice and is a great resource if you’d like to learn more! If you’re unsure whether essential oils are right for you and your family, please consult your doctor or your naturopath for more information.

Resources

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-essential-oils

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy–do-essential-oils-really-work