An Oily Post

Essential oils have been around since the beginning of time. There are many mentions of the use of them in the Bible, such as the oil Spikenard being poured over Jesus' feet days before His death on the cross or Queen Esther being massaged with Myrrh for 6 months in preparation for her marriage. Essential oils, by definition, are highly concentrated aromatic essences of plants from around our world. The oils are extracted directly from wood, flowers, fruit, leaves and/or roots. There are countless uses for essential oils. From aromatherapy to personal care to household solutions, every aspect of daily life can be enhanced by incorporating essential oils into your routine.

While there are several companies out there with lines of essential oils, Young Living products are my preferred choice simply because they have stood the test of time and proven themselves as pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. I use Young Living products in many ways, more and more each day. I flavor my water with Lemon oil, use Frankincense in my homemade nightly face cream, and clear sinuses clogged by allergens with the allergy bomb trio of Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint. I've been using Stress Away both by diffusion and in smoothies to restore a sense of equilibrium. I mix Citrus Fresh with baking soda to sprinkle on my carpets before vacuuming, rub Thieves on the bottom of my feet if I feel a cold coming on, and massage PanAway onto sore muscles after running or bootcamp. DiGize helps ease an upset stomach and Dragon Time aids in many monthly PMS symptoms. I'm in the beginning stages of learning the multitude of uses for these oils, and I have to tell you, it's so much fun! I'm really having a blast with them, and I feel good knowing I'm using natural, chemical-free ways for personal hygiene, health, and household cleaning.

Today I'd like to share a list of ways to use essential oils in your beauty routine. This list is by no means complete, but it gives you an idea of the many uses. More creative minds will find 100 other ways, I'm sure! Always remember to read the instructions for each individual oil you use as some should be diluted with a carrier oil before using (grapeseed, coconut, sweet almond, rosehip, jojoba are a few examples of carrier oils) and some essential oils should not be taken internally. Use caution when using any oil with children.

BEAUTY USES

• Clogged pores - Apply 2-4 drops of Lemon or Tea Tree to affected area and gently remove with cotton ball.
• Nail strengthening recipe - Mix 10 drops each Frankincense, Myrrh, and Lemon to 2 tbsp Vitamin E oil. Mix ingredients together and store in glass bottle. Rub on nails and cuticles twice per week.
• Wrinkle reducing blend - Mix 5 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, 4 drops Geranium, 3 drops Lavender, and 6 drops Frankincense with a carrier oil and apply to area. Keep away from eyes.
• Dandruff blend - Mix 5 drops Lemon, 2 drops Lavender, 1 drop Rosemary, and 2 drops Peppermint with 2 tbsp of a carrier oil. Massage into scalp thoroughly for 1-2 minutes and leave on for 10 minutes. Shampoo as usual.
• Stretch marks - Mix 5 drops Frankincense, Myrrh, Coriander, Lavender, or Gentle Baby blend with 5 drops of a carrier oil and massage onto stretch marks twice per day.
• Face moisturizer - Mix 1 drop Elemi, Frankincense, or Lavender with a carrier oil for an evening moisturizer before bed.
• Natural face scrub - Mix 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup cornmeal, and 5 drops each of Patchouli, Grapefruit, and Lavender. Store any unused mixture in the fridge and use within a few days.
• Skin toner - Mix 8 oz purified water, 2 drops each of Lavender, Palmarosa, and Rosewood in a clean bottle. Apply the toner to skin with a cottonball after cleaning. Shake well before each use.
• Place 1-2 drops of Rosemary or Carrot Seed on hair brush before brushing to promote growth and thickness.
• Perfume recipe - Mix 25 drops of Lavender, Patchouli, Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, Geranium, or your favorite scent to wear to 1 oz of good quality vodka. Let age 2 weeks before using. Apply on neck, wrists, behind knees or ears.
• Stress soothing massage oil - Mix 2 drops each of Lavender, Ylang Ylang, German Chamomile, and Bergamot or 2 drops of Stress Away to 5 tsp of a carrier oil. Stir mixture and massage onto body.
• Dry hair hot oil conditioner - Mix 15 drops Rosewood and 5 drops each Sandalwood, Geranium, and Lavender and 4 tbsp of a carrier oil. Place mixture in a small plastic bag and place the bag in a hot cup of water for 1 minute to warm. Apply, then wrap hair in a towel for 20 minutes. Wash hair as normal.
• Hair loss help blend - Mix 3 drops each of Rosemary, Cedarwood, and Lavender with 2 oz Jojoba carrier oil in a container and shake well. Massage into hair and scalp for 5 minutes. Leave on hair for 1 hour, then wash. Use 1-2 times per week.
• Sunscreen - Mix 5 drops each of Myrrh and Carrot Seed with 10 drops of a carrier oil and apply for 40 SPF.
• Oily hair repair blend - Mix 9 drops each of Ylang Ylang, Lime, and Rosemary with 2 tbsp of a carrier oil. Massage into hair and scalp. Wash hair as normal. Use 2-3 times per week.
• Natural lotion - Mix 8 oz unscented lotion with 10 drops Myrrh, 15 drops Geranium, and 5 drops Ylang Ylang. Keep in an airtight container. Be creative! There are many combinations possible here.

As always, contact me with any questions/concerns you have. Stay healthy, keep calm, and use oils!