Essential oils

bouicca21

This is probably the wrong bit of the forum, but I doubt any other board would be better.

i have been given some essential oils.  I actually have no idea what to do with them.  This sort of stuff has passed me by … so I call upon the wisdom of mse for ideas.  I think I can burn them??

downshifted

which ones? Are they diluted with anything? It does make a difference to how they can be used.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

essential oils are not that essential, knew a wee chick many years ago used to 'wear' patchouli, strong fragrance but inviting.

CapricornLass

Perhaps you could tell us what exactly you have been given?  And also the brand(s)?  

YoungBlueEyes

I sometimes use essential oils as room fragrances. 

Put a few drops onto a folded tissue and wipe your lightbulbs (like you’re cleaning them). Then I open out the tissue and drape it on a radiator. 

Very easy and effective 😊

Toonie

Depending the type of oil and whether it's diluted you can do a few things. You can use them in an oil burner to fragrance the room, you can pop a few drops in a bath for a soak, use them with a carrier oil or cream for a nice massage etc. I use them when making soap, making hand cream, and making ointment for my sore knee. No idea if it actually helps but the smell is nice and that's enough for me.

Wraithlady

Seconding/thirding the 'what have you got' query - some need diluting, some can't be used on pregnant women, some, people may be allergic to.

Broomstick

Continuing the mention of safety, allergies etc...  It's a very long time since I did some aromatherapy training, but then we were told that it's important to double-check contraindications before you use oils, especially in the bath or on your skin if you are pregnant or allergic (as Wraithlady mentioned), are ill, and/or are taking strong medication such as chemotherapy.  Some oils are best avoided on your skin if you go out in the sun.  Be careful about amounts and dilution.  Keep essential oil bottles away from curious children. 

bouicca21

Thanks for the replies.  It’s a pack of 12 x 10 ml bottles in assorted fragrances, all marked 100% essential oil and the brand seems to be Inndo.

catz4m8z

Lots of uses for essential oils. I use peppermint oil as a rodent deterrent.
Also I use alot of lavender oil. I make up a cleaning solution of soap, oil, white vinegar and water and use it as a general surface cleaner and also with washable toilet wipes.
Alot of EOs are antibacterial and antifungal so they are are good natural cleaning products.
(just be careful around pets as undiluted they can be toxic to them).

Carrot007

catz4m8z said:

Also I use alot of lavender oil. I make up a cleaning solution of soap, oil, white vinegar and water and use it as a general surface cleaner and also with washable toilet wipes.

I use lavender oil undiluted on skin to help get rid of spots. Works fine. Yes it probably says not to "BY DEFAULT" (yes some companies do not check they are crorrect and err omn the side of caution with labeling instead), but with LO and possibly tea tree you are fine. (of course try a drop fist in case of reactions and apply using a cotton bud so there is not too much.