Essential Oils in Boardman, OH
Long ago, society relied on the power of nature to heal. There is magic behind nature’s beauty. Each drop of essential oil could contain the essence of hundreds of plants. By using essential oils, we are turning to the strength of nature again. There are so many powerful benefits to essential oils which is why we try to incorporate them into our daily lives.
Just a few drops of Lavender essential oil is known to help with stress, depression, sprains and strains.
Eucalyptus can be used as a household cleaner and as a remedy for the cold and flu.
Chamomile is known to help with headaches, dental health, and skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
In this blog, we will write about the basics of essential oils, and then in later blogs, we will write out a few of our favorites for each season!
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
- Leaves
- Roots
- Flowers
- Bark
- Fruit
Essential Oils have increased in popularity over the last few years, but did you know they have been around for centuries? Long before traditional medicine, local health practitioners turned to nature. They used the plants to heal. Essential oils can be made from all parts of the plant.
The Egyptians were known to use Frankincense in their tombs. The Greeks used Chamomile to treat fevers and other ailments. Both India and China have used Sandalwood for centuries in their medicine.
Our favorite go-to essential oils are lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus.
Helpful Hint: Pure essential oils should not have fragrance listed on the label.
HOW ARE ESSENTIAL OILS MADE?
- Steam Distillation
- Carbon Dioxide Extraction
- Cold-Pressing
- Effleurage
- Solvent Extraction
There are several methods of making essential oils. Some methods are only used to extract certain oils. For example, to extract essential oils from citrus fruits, you only use the cold-pressing method. The most popular method is steam distillation. One of the ways this can be done is by putting the plant above boiling water and letting the steam collect the plant’s essential oils as it rises and is later separated. Effleurage is one of the oldest methods for creating essential oils. During this process, fat or fatty oils are combined with the whole flower. For some essential oils, it can take thousands of pounds of a plant to make.
Helpful Hint: When purchasing essential oils, it is important to make sure they are pure. Due to their properties, pure essential oils need to be stored in dark glass bottles.
WHAT IS A CARRIER OIL?
- Almond Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Olive Oil
Essential oils are very powerful. Many are not meant to be injected or put directly on your skin. A carrier oil is used by mixing together with the essential oils. By mixing the essential oils with a carrier oil, you still get the plant’s benefits, but it is diluted, making it safe for your skin. There are many different carrier oils for you to choose from. We listed our favorite to use above
Helpful Hint: To keep carrier oils fresh and lasting longer, store them in the refrigerator and take them out a few hours before using.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS?
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety
- Acne
- Headaches
- Reducing Inflammation
- Muscles Aches and Pains
Each essential oil has its own powerful benefit. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some lavender is known to reduce stress and anxiety, and help aid in a good night’s sleep. Tea Tree Oil can help with acne, athletes’ feet and insect bites. Peppermint Oil is known to help with tension headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Below are some of our favorite essential oils and essential oil combinations;
- Peppermint is our go to for headaches.
- Tea Tree is great for hair or any fungus, (not safe for pets).
- Lavender is good for burns
- Ginger for belly aches (with the kids).
- Eucalyptus and peppermint mix for sinuses
- Orange and lavender blend for anxiety and boosting your mood.
HOW CAN YOU USE ESSENTIAL OILS?
- Diffusion
- Direct Inhalation
- Hot Vapors
- Aromatherapy
- Massage
There are many ways to use essential oils. Diffusers are very common and in many homes throughout the world. By adding a few drops of essential oils to the water, the diffuser will dispense a gentle mist, creating a lovely scent throughout your home. Having a bad day, try lemon oil in your diffuser as it is known to improve your mood. Aromatherapy is another way essential oils can be used. You can add essential oils to special made bracelets and necklaces to enjoy the smell of the essential oil for hours.
At Thermae Retreat in Boardman, we use essential oils in our Finnish Sauna. Our retreat guides pour an essential oil mixture directly on coals while you are in the sauna. The oils are instantly disbursed in the air through the hot water vapors. You breathe in the steam, and the essential oils are transported to your lungs. During the winter months, we like using eucalyptus and birch because it opens your airways and benefits your respiratory system.
Many of the practitioners at the Legacy Commons building like to use essential oils to make their own massage oils.
SAFETY TIPS
Like any product you use, it is important to follow safety tips. It is best to test an essential oil before use to make sure you are not allergic to it. It is also recommended to speak with your practitioner or an aromatherapist before using an essential oil for medical purposes. Similar to pharmaceutical products, some essential oils should not be used with certain medications or medical conditions.
Below are the steps directly from Medical News Today on how to perform an allergy test.
- Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil at twice the concentration you plan to use
- Rub the mixture into an area the size of a quarter on the inside of the forearm.
- If there is no allergic response within 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use.
- Some people report developing allergies to essential oils after using them many times before.
- If a new allergic response appears, the individual should stop using it immediately and avoid its smell.
CONNECT WITH US
Thermae Retreat is located at 7250 West Blvd, Boardman, OH 44512. We opened our doors in 2017 and are open Monday – Saturday 9 am – 9pm.
You can reach us at 330.222.6432 or [email protected]
You can now book an appointment online for your salt or sauna session.
