Using Diffusers

Essential oils have been used in our home for several years.
We prefer the DoTerra brand,
as we've always had good experience with them.
These oils can be added to diffusers, applied topically,
and some are even safe enough to ingest.
Especially in winter, when the air is exceedingly dry,
dispersing oils into the air helps keep humidity higher,
while adding a fragrance to fit one's mood.
We usually have lemon or orange diffusing in the living room,
but we use peppermint during the holidays. 
Aromatic application can encourage
relaxation, stimulation and emotional renewal.
The diffuser shown above is our living room unit.
It gets filled in the morning,
and pretty much goes all day,
cleaning and scenting the air.
This unit has an automatic shut-off,
so if I forget to turn it off before bedtime,
it will shut off when the water is gone.

Using a diffuser with essential oils in the bedroom
encourages sounder sleep.
Scents such as lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, and even vanilla
foster a sense of relaxation and restfulness.
Eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary can aide
in breathing easier through the sleep cycle.
Along with the chosen aroma,
the vaporizing effect of the mist adds needed humidity to the air,
especially in the dry winter months.
I was even able to find a diffuser
with an added bonus, a white noise option.
Between the essential oils and my choice of rain, 
a rolling stream or incoming waves, my sleep has improved.

An important aspect when using a diffuser in any application,
is keeping it clean.
The water sometimes sits and creates mildew in the reservoir.
Simply using warm water and perhaps a bit of vinegar
will take care of the problem.
I do this at least once a month,
and more if I see it's needed.
This ensures that the diffuser will last longer
and continue to support your well being.

Our diffusers are a welcome addition to the homestead.

Aromatherapy:  The A-Z Guide to Healing with Essential Oils
by Shelagh Ryan Masline and Barbara Close
****



"Filled with both traditional wisdom and the latest research, Aromatherapy contains all the information you need to purchase and use these powerful, magnificent oils.  It includes:
*Healing and sensual massages
*The luxurious European sitz bath
*Facial steam bath and rejuvenating clay mask
*Transcendent baths for relaxation and hydration
*Elegant hydrolat baths for clear, healthy skin
*Specific remedies for dozens of health problems from acne to varicose veins
With Aromatherapy you'll find foolproof ways to diminish headache pain, safely treat over 50 common ailments, alleviate stress, energize and uplift moods and much more."


This guide is a great resource for folks like me who are just starting to learn about this alternative healthcare option.  Being interested in a more natural way of dealing with illness, this book attracted me.  It's also comforting to know that our health is something that we can influence everyday by the choices we make.  Eating a balanced diet and exercise are two ways to accomplish this.  Adding essential oils can enhance our lives by keeping us proactive in our own healthcare.  The alphabetized order of the book makes it easy to look up just what you need.  This is one book I plan to add to my library.

 

Essential Oils

Thanks to Marisa over at Backyard Farming,

I've become interested in exploring essential oils

beyond my past household uses.

I wasn't aware that they could be incorporated

into a wellness regime.

Anything that is noninvasive and doesn't carry

the side effects of conventional medicine

is worth investigating.

She hosted a webinar on some basics,

which peaked my interest.  I need to learn more.

As part of the course,

 a kit was supplied which contained 10 essential oils.

These included peppermint, melaluca, lemon, frankincense,
oregano and lavender.  The kit was also composed of
a few blends for various ailments.
They consisted of treatments for headaches,
respiratory issues, digestion and sleep troubles.
I'd love to incorporate this practice
into our homeopathic approach to wellness.
Looking forward to the next webinar
over at Backyard Farming.

Our library has a couple of books on the subject,
but I'd really love to see a video.
 Learning by doing works best for me, 
but maybe seeing someone else doing
what I want to learn
would be almost as helpful.

I'll keep ya posted!
Be well...

For more information on using essential oils,
read this.

That Makes Good Scents

Since joining the co-op, I've had better access

and information about natural living.

One thing I've done this year is add essential oils

to our homekeeping.

A collection of scents are available.

If you don't belong to a co-op,

consider starting one or

patronize your local health food store.

I think of it as a way of pampering my family

by adding a sense of restoration.

I add a few drops of a scent to cotton balls

(which are recycled from supplement bottles),

and then use the vacuum hose to suck 'em up.

You can smell the fragrance

each time you spruce up your floors.

It is even used in our weekly kitchen cleaning.

Fill a container with water and a splash of soap

and a few drops of your favorite oil.

Microwave for 2 1/2 minutes.

It will add a wonderful aroma to one of your favorite rooms,
while doing a great job of cleaning the inside of the oven.

Spearmint is stimulating and oh-so fresh smelling!

This bin can get downright stinky!

Add a little cucumber or melon  oil

to your clothes hamper.

Drawers are closed up most of the time

and can use a bit of refreshing.

I also keep a little right with my workout clothes

to keep the "PU's" at bay.

In the bathroom,

we sprinkle a few drops inside the toilet paper roll.

With each use, it dispenses a bit of

"ahhhhhhhhh".

This little clay diffuser hangs by the bedside.

Lavender is an excellent scent for encouraging sound sleep.

Lil' Guy has one in his room,

as he has a history of asthma.

Eucalyptus is the preferred essential oil

for respiratory issues.

Breathe easy!

Why not add a comforting bouquet

to your cleaning routine?

For more ideas about using essential oils,

read this.