Essential oils are used for fragrancing and flavouring in many items in the supermarkets and in our homes. They are used to fragrance cleaning products, food and personal hygiene products. Here are just a few ways you can use the aromas you like, with very practical applications for your personal care. Using 1 teaspoon of coconut oil as your base, add from a selection of essential oils to suit the situation.

Getting ready for a date

Add 2 drops of patchouli essential oil to your 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a body moisturizer. Patchouli’s earthy aroma is a known aphrodisiac. For a sweeter scent, use 1 drop of patchouli and 1 drop of ylang ylang. Or play with your favourite oils to create the scent you want using up to 3 drops per teaspoon.

Starting the day

With its fresh fruit aroma, I love starting my day with Lime essential oil. The trick here is to use oils that feel and smell fresh, that will keep you alert and have your brain functioning optimally ready for the new day. Other choices might be Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus.

Treating lingering coughs

5 drops of Cedarwood oil to your 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, applied to the soles of the feet and to the chest. Do this 3 or 4 times a day. Cedarwood is a good pulmonary antiseptic to help kill lingering bugs that are causing the cough. It is also soothing and relaxing. Please do ensure you are using pure essential oils and not fragrant oils, as fragrant oils are imitations that can not replicate the actions of essential oils.  It is also advisable to patch test oils on people who have a lot of sensitivities.

Aromatherapist Maria Mitchell