Essential oils are essence extract from parts of the plants such as flowers, roots, seeds, leaves, barks and peels. They are generally extracted by distillation, using steam and cold pressing. The oils capture from the plants contain unique aromatic compounds that give each essential oil its characteristic essence.

Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy and believed to have healing effects due to the aromatic compounds. It can be diffuse and applied to the skin with or without carrier oil subject to the type of essential oil. Essential oil can only used for external usage. 

How to use essential oils?

Aromatherapy

The simple way to use essential oil putting few drops (3-4 drops) of your favourite oil to a piece of cotton, tissue or shirt for inhalation. For beginner who are new to essential oil can just put 1 drop to try out whether there is any allergic reaction or sensitive to it.

Steam Inhalation

Boil 2 cups of water and then pour the water to a bowl. Then put about 3-6 drops of your favourite essential oil to the boiled water. For beginners or worried for any irritation to mucous membranes can put lesser drops of essential oils. When inhaling the steam, you can maintain a distance of at least 12 inches from the bowl of water. When inhaling take a couple of breaks in between and not constantly inhaling the steam. 

If feeling any discomfort and irritation, do not continue to inhale immediately. 

Diffuse / Room Fresheners

A common method way is to diffuse the essential oil with a diffuser to freshen up the rooms. You can use 5-10 drops of essential oils depending on the size volume of the diffuser. You can diffuse for 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the space of the room. Take breaks in between and do not diffuse for long hours.

You can also put a few drops to a cotton or tissue and placed them in cabinet, cupboards, shoe rack or drawers as a refresher.

Insect Repellents

Certain essential oil such as peppermint and lemongrass have chemical properties that able to repel other insects naturally. 

Massage

Essential oil can be used in the massage oil by just adding 15 to 20 drops to 1 ounce any carrier oil. Do not apply essential oil onto the skin without carrier oil. 

Essential Oil Baths / Skincare

Essential oils can be used to blend into a bath. Just add in 5-7 drops of your favourite essential oils to 1 ounce carrier oil and blend well into water before bath.

Essential oils are also used in many skincare products as there are many natural properties that are great for the skin and hair.