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Choosing the right essential oils
To make the right choice, read the instructions carefully. Essential oils must be 100% pure and natural, and if possible organic. Also look for the acronyms HEBBD (Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil) and HECB (100% Organic Chemotyped Essential Oil). And the botanical name of the plant must be indicated in Latin.
Essential oils, it’s all about the dosage
Essential oils are applied to the skin, but never pure. You can dilute them in vegetable oil (sweet almond, jojoba, argan …), or in your day cream, shampoo or mask. Other modes of use: in bath water, diluted in vegetable oil, or by diffusion with an electric device – prefer models equipped with a timer, to better manage the time of use. By inhalation, adding them to hot water. Orally (on medical prescription), by placing a few drops on a sugar. To avoid the risk of allergy, do a test before using any essential oil: at the bend of the elbow, place one or two drops mixed with olive oil. No reaction? You can use it. But remain vigilant, if redness appears in the following days, do not insist. There are ready-made formulas in spray to promote relaxation or purify the atmosphere, in roll-on against pimples or headaches, in massage oils against stretch marks or muscle pain. Dosed to avoid irritation, these mixtures act in synergy, because several essential oils are often more effective than one. But you can also concoct your own preparations by seeking advice from a doctor or pharmacist specializing in aromatherapy.
Caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Essential oils are prohibited during the first trimester of pregnancy, because they can have deleterious effects on the fetus. During the last two quarters, they are not recommended in self-medication. Some can be used, under medical supervision. Likewise, if you are breast-feeding, it is best to avoid them because they pass into breast milk.
Our wellness recipes
Want to get started ? You can make your own preparations.
— Against fatigue, opt for linalool thyme:
20 drops of essential oil of thyme + 20 drops of essential oil of noble laurel + 50 ml of vegetable oil.
Apply in the evening by massaging the inside of the wrists or the soles of the feet. As a bonus, this mixture promotes sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, apply it 2 hours before bed, and just before going to bed.
— In case of blues and to feel better in his head, think of rosemary
1.8 cineole: 30 drops of EO of rosemary + 30 drops of EO of cypress + 50 ml of vegetable oil. Massage the inside of your wrists or the soles of your feet once a day.
— To purify and tone the skin, remove your makeup with a lotion composed of 25 drops of essential oil of geranium + 25 drops of essential oil of officinal lavender + 25 drops of rosehip + 50 ml of jojoba or argan oil.
— Against cellulite, massage yourself every day with a cocktail of 8 drops of lemon EO + 8 drops of cypress EO + 25 ml of sweet almond oil.
— For a tonic bath, add 5 drops of EO of rosemary + 5 drops of EO of lemon + 1 or 2 teaspoons of sweet almond oil.