Last Updated on October 15, 2024
Essential oils used widely in aromatherapy due to its healing abilities. They are obtained from organic plants either from the leaves or roots. When combined, they are highly useful in relieving certain ailments and diseases. Knowing how to mix essential oils is important if you want to get them to work properly.
While they may be highly effective, some people worry that these essential oils may harm the body. How much essential oil should you use? And how long does it take for essential oils to work?
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What are Essential Oils?
If you are just hearing about them for the first time, essential oils are extracted from plants. These oils are filled with the chemical and aromatic properties of the plant. The oil is extracted mainly through distillation or using a cold-press which collects the essence of the plant and retain the scent. All the chemical compounds in the plant are also present in the oil and are used widely in aromatherapy and skin and hair care.
How Do Essential Oils Work?
There is no detailed clinical guide that informs us of how essential oil works. Most of the information available is as a result of independent research carried out on plant extract. The essential oil works better as a topical aid instead of a drug. This means that you should apply it either as a balm or ointments, instead of taking it in the pill form.
You can group your essential oils based on their scent or how they affect you. You can also choose which essential oil to use based on how quickly the oil evaporates. When you know how to group your oils, it becomes possible for you to select which oils to use in a mix. I find a mix of lavender, jasmine, and sandalwood to be calming.
Once you have settled on which essential oils to use, you will need to add in some carrier oil such as coconut oil to reduce the side effect of the compounds. In combination with carrier oils, essential oils are safe to use and prove more effective.
How Long Does It Take for Essential Oil to Work?
There is no specific time frame for essential oils to take effect. The potency of the oil depends on the condition been treated and the amount of the oil used. To get the desired result, you will have to make use of more than one essential oil. In certain cases, you may need to combine up to five essential oils.
You need to combine essential oils that produce the same result. If what you want is a sweet wooden smell in the air, you need to make use of essential oils with a woody scent. This includes essential oils such as cedarwood, sandalwood, and coriander. Most essential oils last for up to 10 minutes when sprayed in a diffuser. You will need to keep pumping it into the air if you want the effect to be long-lasting.
The essential oil notes determine how quickly the oil evaporates. Oils that evaporates in less than three minutes are categorized as essential oil with a top note. They include citronella, grapefruit, lemon, lavender, lime, mint, orange, and eucalyptus.
Essential oils that last for up to 10 minutes before evaporating have a middle note. Examples of such essential oils include chamomile, cinnamon, rose, spruce, rosemary, rosewood, fennel, and carrot seed.
The last group is the base note and essential oils that belong to this category can last for more than a day before evaporating. Some notable examples include Vanilla, cedarwood, ginger, frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli.
The best way to get your essential oil to last when spraying it in the air is to make use of a diffuser. It controls the amount of oil that is puffed into the atmosphere and also ensures it spreads rapidly. When adding essential oil to body or hair care products, you will have to add in a few drops to be able to achieve your desired result.
Best Way to Use Essential Oil
Essential oil is safe to use as a topical aid. This could either be in the form of a balm or ointment. On no account should you swallow essential oil, while they may not harm your organs, it can irritate your esophagus or lead to acid reflux.
The part of your body to apply essential oil is directly on the skin. It is easily absorbed by the bloodstream and can easily be discontinued if it results in skin irritation. Specific spots such as elbows, armpits, and the sole of the feet are best for testing out essential oils to see if they are safe for you or not.
You can also burn essential oil as incense by making use of a diffuser. You can purchase an essential oil diffuser for use in refreshing the smell around your home. With a diffuser, you can improve the living condition of your home and make a space more relaxing. Finding the right essential oil to use will have to be your quest. I have found out that essential oils appeal to people differently, so you will have to try out many of them to find the ones that resonate with you.
Choosing Essential Oil
The best way to guarantee that your essential oil will be effective is to purchase it from the right source. Most manufacturers claim that their oils are obtained from the purest source but you can verify their claims by merely staring at the bottle. You will have to try out the product to see if it works. One method I use when shopping for essential oil is to read through online reviews. You can learn about individual experiences and make your decision on which brand to settle for.
Essential oils can last between a few hours and several days depending on how quickly it evaporates. You want to avoid ingesting essential oil and applying it to the skin instead.
How do you use your essential oil? Are they any effective? We will like to hear from you in the comment section.
Lacey is an environmental enthusiast and passionate advocate for living green and sustainable. She believes that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small. Lacey is dedicated to reducing her own carbon footprint and educating others on the importance of living greener. She is an advocate for green energy and sustainable practices. She is an active member of her local community, volunteering with local conservation efforts, and taking part in sustainability initiatives. Lacey is a firm believer that the only way to ensure a sustainable future is to work together and make small, but important changes.