Which Essential Oil is Best for Specific Parts of Your Body?
Essential oils are known to relieve physical ailments through inhalation or aromatherapy but did you know that topical application of pure essential oils or within a carrier oil is also an effective remedy for various bodily symptoms? It contains microcomponents that when applied directly on the skin will immediately deliver relief to the affected area. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spasmodic and mucolytic properties that take effect as soon as it is applied on the skin.
However, using essential oils as topical solution requires great care and caution. Pure essential oils are very concentrated and powerful. You must consider safety first above all else because everyone has different reactions to certain oils. Some may have very sensitive skin and will react harshly to pure oils. Others may experience relief within minutes from first application. Lavender and Tea Tree oils are considered generally safe for most adult skin but probably skip applying these to children or pregnant women. Most essential oils require dilution with carrier oils before applying on skin. Carrier oils are extracted from vegetable or plant base that will complement the effects of the pure essential oils.
From the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, there is not a place not to use and apply essential oils as a topical solution. Nonetheless, a strategically placed essential oil drops on specific parts of the body will maximize its effectivity and relief. Here’s a comprehensive guide to applying essential oils on specific parts of your body to achieve that maximum result.
1. HEAD
The sternocleidomastoid and the trapezius muscles are the main muscles responsible for the movement of the head and neck. Prolong use of cell phones over the shoulders or improper sleep position all night will cause these muscles to strain resulting to painful movements. Stimulating these muscles will relax the strain and help bring relief from painful movements.
Essential Oil of choice: Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemongrass.
Place 8-10 drops of your preferred essential oil or a mixture of different essential oils in approximately 30ml of carrier oil; the most commonly used carrier oil is the coconut oil or the jojoba oil. Massage well into hair, temples of the head, nape of the neck and neck area. It can be applied any time of the day but it is best to massage the head before bedtime to give you that deep night’s sleep you’ve been wanting.
2. FACE
The face has the most sensitive skin among the human body parts. It is also the most exposed to sunlight UV rays, dirt, chemicals, and pollution every day. Essential oils are a great natural beauty regimen that serves as an alternative to synthetically made commercial skin products.
Essential Oil of choice: Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Sweet Orange.
For sensitive or reactive skin types, place 4 drops of essential oil into 1 ounce of carrier oil. For nonreactive skin types, you can place 8-10 drops of essential oils into 1 ounce of carrier oil. Before applying the oil solution, cleanse your face with your usual soap and water regimen. Dry with a towel and apply the oil evenly using the slightest touch. Use as leave-on to get that skin-firming result.
3. CHEST
Every once in a while, you experience common colds and cough with an occasional sore throat. Your first intuition would probably be going over synthetic medicines. But it also helps if you massage some essential oils on your chest area to relieve the symptoms.
Essential Oil of choice: Lavender, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Frankincense
To relieve chest congestion, microwave a dampen towel and add 2 drops of frankincense oil. Place the towel over your chest and feel the healing working. If you want to make a cold rub, place 4 drops eucalyptus oil, 4 drops rosemary oil, 2 drops ginger oil and 4 tsp of carrier oil. Massage onto chest or aching parts of the body. Add 2 drops of Lavender oil to your cold rub for a restful sleep.
4. ARMS AND HANDS, LEGS AND FEET
Being an avid texter or sitting all day in front of the computer? You probably have experienced painful and numb wrists and hands at one time or another. This is a common hand and arms ailment for people using the cellular phone or laptop all day. The nerves and surrounding hand muscles and connective tissues are compressed over a repetitive motion of pounding the keyboard. In addition, if you do some work out; these essential oils will help soothe pain and swelling of muscles. Another benefit of applying these essential oils topically is that the carrier oil also acts as a skin moisturizer, leaving your skin soft and smooth.
Essential Oil of choice: Lavender, Eucalyptus, Rosemary
In 6 teaspoons of carrier oil, mix in 15 drops of essential oil of your choice. You can choose one, two or all of the essential oils to make a complete salve. Massage onto hands and wrists, legs and feet post workout. Rest the affected area as much as possible to help heal the injured muscles and tissues.
5. PULSE POINTS
Scientifically, it is not yet clear that dabbing perfume on your pulse points will distribute the scent more effectively, however; still, many people practice this habit mindfully. Topical application on pulse points is believed to have a tremendous effect on your mood and well-being.
Essential Oil of choice: Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Sweet Orange
For mood relaxing and anti-stress management, mix 12 drops of Lavender oil OR 6 drops of Lemongrass oil and 6 drops of Lavender oil in a 30ml of carrier oil placed in a roller blend. For memory concentration and enhancing alertness, mix in peppermint and sweet orange into the carrier oil. Dab some mixture on your neck just behind your earlobe, on your heart area, on your inner elbows and wrists. Feel the effects take place, feel relaxed with lavender or revitalized with peppermint.
6. BUG BITES
Essential oils are also effective in soothing insect bites. Apply pure lavender oil, lemongrass or tea tree oils directly on the bite area. These oils calm the nerves thus bringing the soothing sensation. Plus, lemongrass is a good insect repellant essential oil that keeps bugs away.
Essential Oil of choice: Lavender, Lemongrass, Tea Tree
