Relaxation with essential oils

Last year, I got introduced to the use of essential oils. I love them because they are simple, mostly inexpensive and bring an entirely different atmosphere – almost immediately with hardly any effort.

Scent is known to have a very primitive connection to our minds and emotions. A scent will bring a quick effect on how we feel and will contribute immensely to a state of wellbeing and relaxation.

 These are the most common ways essential oils are used:

1. As a roll-on: you will need a base oil (10 ml of good quality neutral oil like almond or jojoba), up to 10 drops of essential oils and a roll-on bottle.
2. As a massage oil: 50 ml of a base oil with up to 10 drops of essential oils and a glass bottle (preferably brown or green to protect the oils against the light)
3. As a room spay: for which you need a spray bottle (250 ml), filtered water and two tablespoons of vodka – yes cheap vodka 😉 – and about 30 drops of essential oils, depending on the blend.  
4.  In a diffuser or lamp

Avoid using essential oils directly on the skin as they can cause irritation. If you are a beginner start with some basic oils that will find simple and flexible application.

These are common oils used for relaxation:

1. Lavender– kid friendly, super-flexible and calming. A must in every household!
2. Rose– a beautiful oil that creates a sense of harmony and balance. Great to bring joy to the heart. It has only one disadvantage, it is not cheap! Other less expensive alternatives with a similar flowery and soothing quality are geranium and jasmine.
3. Bergamot– Another very common oil. It is known for calming emotions and supporting the release of anxious feelings, stress and tension.

If you would like to experiment further with more elaborate applications try these recipes:

Basic Recipe for a Roll-On

use on chest and shoulders before bedtime.

10 ml base oil (jojoba or almond, for example)

5-12 drops of an essential oil

Roll-On bottle

Sleep tight

5 drops of lavender

5 drops of chamomile

Sweet Dreams

4 drops of lavender

1 drop of frankincense

Foot-Massage Oil for better sleep

 50 ml almond Oil

4 drops red mandarine

4 drops lavender

A calming blend for the diffusor

2 drops lavender

2 drops bergamotte

1 drop pine