I know I missed my posting routine this weekend, and for those of you who check, I do apologize. Normally, I can rattle on about something (or nothing) with ease. I’ve been in a bit of a slump for the last few weeks with my writing. I’ve been painting at nearly every opportunity, but that doesn’t write a blog. So, to combat the fact that my muse has taken an extended vacation, I thought I’d share some of my favorite essential oil recipes.
What are essential oils?
According to Healthline.com, “Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oils capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.” Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence.” The link to their entire article can be found below. Be sure to check out their article if you want to learn more.
I try to get the best quality oil I can afford and don’t stress too much about it otherwise. I recommend you do that too. The only thing I keep in mind is that if I am going to put the oils in my body, I make sure to get one that is therapeutic grade. If it isn’t therapeutic grade, it may contain synthetics or be closer to perfume. That may be fine for sniffing, but not if you are ingesting it. Just please do your homework. You should never use anything in or on your body unless you are reasonably certain it is safe.
This brand, that brand, just a bunch of hooey
There are a lot of people who will tell you that only the brand of oils they use (and probably sell) work. There are also a lot of people who will tell you essential oils don’t work at all. I’m not here to do either of those things. I use several different brands by themselves and together in recipes without any problem whatsoever. As for whether they work or not, I believe there are valid uses for essential oils. They should not be thought of as a silver bullet for all that ails you, but then again, nothing should. At the very least, they smell nice.
Disclaimer
Lastly, before we get into the recipes, I am not a doctor. I am not claiming a certain oil will do a certain thing, nor am I claiming that an oil will work the same for every person. The information on this site is given based solely on my personal experience. If you try any of these recipes, do your research. Make an informed adult decision and proceed at your own risk.
My favorite recipes
Thieves Oil Blend
The oils in Thieves have been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties in lab tests. The myth tells of the recipe being handed down from one of the 4 thieves who used the blend of oils to keep them from getting sick as they looted corpses during the plague. I don’t go around looting corpses, but I do use this blend every time I need to leave my house. Does it work to keep me from getting sick? I don’t know. Have a gotten sick since I’ve been using it? In the last 10 years, I’ve gotten sick from something other than food poisoning less than 5 times. I was sick much more often in the 10 years before that. Even if it isn’t preventing illness, it does make my shoes smell nice.
20 drops Clove Oil
18 drops Lemon Oil
10 drops Lemongrass Oil
10 drops Cinnamon Bark Oil
8 drops Eucalyptus Radiata Oil
5 drops Rosemary Oil (ct 1,8 cineole)
How to use
Mix all of the oils in a dropper bottle. Feel free to scale the recipe up if you want.
Rub 3-5 drops on the soles of your feet after showering or bathing. Use caution. The palms of your hands and soles of your feet are tougher than the rest of your skin. If you get this on your skin or in your eyes, it can burn.
If you feel like you are getting sick, or someone in your household is already sick, this blend can be added to your diffuser for dispersal throughout your home.
Relaxing Blend
25 drops Cedarwood Oil
15 drops Sweet Orange Oil
5 drops Ylang Ylang Oil
How to use
Mix all of the oils in a dropper bottle. Use your favorite diffusion method to disperse the scent.
Spicy Woodland Blend
I like to use this one in the winter to give the house a bit of a brighter feel.
8 drops Spruce Oil
2 drops Fir Oil
4 drops Cedarwood Oil
2 drops Vetiver Oil
2 drops Bergamot Oil
4 drops Cardamom Oil
How to use
Mix all oils in a dropper bottle. Use your favorite diffusion method to disperse the scent.
I hope you enjoy trying these blends. If you do, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below. If you have a favorite blend recipe and feel like sharing, feel free to post that in the comments too.
Links
What Are Essential Oils and Do They Work? as seen on Healthline.com.