We all know how good essential oils are for the mind, body and spirit but do you know the best places to apply them to get the most benefit out of your oils?
Applying essential oils topically is one of the most popular ways to use them but you have to be cautious of your skin as some can be more potent than others. When applying, always dilute with your favourite carrier oil not only will the carrier oil help the oil absorb into the skin, it may also prevent irritations that may occur due to the potency of the oil. It’s also a good idea to carry out a patch test before applying.
Here are a few tips on the best places to apply your oils to support your health and well-being.
Energy & Focus
We all need a boost some days as our energy and focus can flag from time to time so when you feel unmotivated or easily distracted, apply the oil of your choice on the following areas:
Crown of your head, back of your neck, chest, forearms, temples, wrists, brain stem.
Best Essential Oils: Lemon, Basil, Grapefruit, Lime, Bergamot, Rosemary, Pine, Ginger, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Frankincense.
Immune Support
Some Essential oils are great for enhancing or balancing the immune system but bear in mind that the different types of immune cells or functions may be influenced differently by the same essential oil or component.
Where to apply: Down the spine, bottom of the feet.
Best Essential Oils: Lavender, Lemon, Oregano, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Clove.
Restful Sleep
Giving yourself a 10-15 min foot massage with your chosen essential oil and paying particular attention to the big toes along with applying it to other areas suggested for a good night’s sleep is a great way to unwind after a busy day You’ll be sleeping like a baby in no time.
Where to apply: Big toes, forearms, forehead and wrists
Best Essential Oils: Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Chamomile, Peppermint, Bergamot, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Marjoram, Clary Sage, Vetiver, Eucalyptus, Valerian.
Head Tension
A lot of people come to me with a lot of tension in the head, neck, back and shoulders as this is where we carry a lot of emotional stress. Bending our heads to read and send texts doesn’t help either. Taking Ibuprofen and other over the counter remedies are not the only option. Good quality organic essential oils can do a lot more than make your living room smell wonderful. A monthly 30 minute neck, back and shoulder massage does wonders but in between treatments using essential oils at home and incorporating them into your daily wellness regimen to help relieve built up tension is good too.
Where to apply: Temples, back of the neck, around the ears.
Best Essential Oils: Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary.
Emotional Wellness
Life as we know it can be challenging at times and these past few years have been particularly stressful with certain world events unfolding. Essential Oils have been my go to among other wellness activities and eating well that have kept me grounded and emotionally supported.
Just simply rub a few drops of your choice of essential oil in your hands and cup your hands over your nose and mouth and breathe in deeply, rub over your heart area, behind the ears.
Best Essential Oils: Rose Geranium, Helichrysum, Frankincense, Neroli, Patchouli, Basil, Peppermint, Clove, Vertiver, Lemon, Grapefruit.
Overwhelm
Sometimes life and get a bit too hectic leaving us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, exhausted and totally burnt out. Using essential oils to calm down isn’t just some nice idea or helpful placebo. Real scientific studies have shown us over and over again that essential oils can be just as effective as over the counter medicines with a lot fewer side effects.
Where to apply: Lower back, back of the neck, shoulders.
Best Essential Oils: Lavender, Frankincense, Vetiver, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Marjoram, Clary Sage, Spearmint, Cedarwood, Ho Wood Leaf, Sandalwood, Vanilla.
Digestion
The First tell-tale sign your endocrine system is not working properly is that you experience digestion problems which can lead to other illnesses if not addressed. A person’s gut health comes down to diet, weight, genetics, age and personal decisions. Your brain health also impacts on your gut health and vice versa. Essential oils can support your digestion on so many levels.
Where to apply: Rub 1-2 drops in your belly button and rub clockwise on your stomach.
Best Essential Oils: Peppermint, Cardamom, Mandarin, Tangerine, Ginger, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Lavender, Fennel, Carrot Seed, Spearmint, Vanilla.
You may have read that a certain company advises that it’s ok to ingest oils but essential oils are not meant to be ingested. Swallowing pure highly concentrated essential oils can cause serious bouts of nausea.
Using Essential Oils during Pregnancy
Pregnant Women should avoid topically applying undiluted essential oils throughout pregnancy. Adding to a diffuser or inhaling is safer. Only use in second and third trimester.
Here is a list of pregnancy safe oils:
Cardamom, Ginger, Frankincense, German or Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosewood, Geranium, Lemon, Wild Orange, Sandalwood, Patchouli.
There are many benefits from essential oil use during pregnancy, but it’s best to talk to your Doctor before using.
Please consult your Doctor if you are taking any medication.
