Essential Oils: Nature’s Powerful Extracts
Essential oils are the concentrated essence of plants, captured through steam distillation or cold pressing. Just a single drop packs the power of multiple cups of tea—like peppermint, which is ten times stronger than a cup of peppermint tea! Because of their potency, essential oils should always be handled with care, kept out of reach of children, and never ingested.
Here are three of my favorite essential oils to incorporate into your health and wellness routine.
1. Refuge Blend
Hands down my favorite blend to use when my family is sick. It is a combination of Therapeutic Grade Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon, & Rosemary essential oils. Diffusing Refuge will instantly fill any space with a warm, spicy aroma that is both soothing & comforting.
One of my favorite ways to use this blend is to add a few drops to a glass roller ball, fill the rest with a carrier oil, and roll it onto our feet before bed. The skin on our feet is thicker than other areas, so applying it here reduces the chance of any irritation—especially since the cinnamon in Refuge can feel a bit warming when used topically.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy Refuge, though, is by diffusing it. I love how the scent fills the room, creating a calming, cozy atmosphere that everyone in the family can enjoy.
2. Everyday Wellness Blend:
The name says it all—Everyday Wellness is my go-to blend for daily use! This therapeutic mix combines Sweet Orange, Lemon, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Frankincense, and Eucalyptus essential oils, creating a bright, citrusy scent that’s both refreshing and soothing.
It’s versatile too: dilute it for topical use as a natural alternative to Vicks Vapor Rub, add a few drops to DIY cleaning recipes, or refresh your laundry by using it with wool dryer balls. I especially love diffusing Everyday Wellness during the fall and winter months when coughs and colds are more common. This blend is perfect for anyone who prefers a citrus-forward scent over the spicier cinnamon and clove notes found in our Refuge blend.
3. Respiratory Relief Blend:
This is a great blend to diffuse at night if someone in your family has a cold, cough or is congested. Crafted with Therapeutic Grade Lavender, Myrrh, Peppermint, Cypress, Myrtle, & Eucalyptus essential oils - it is sure to become a staple in your first aid kit. Dilute & use topically in place of vicks vapor rub or add a few drops to witch hazel in a glass bottle & spritz it on your bed linens before bed. If you have achy muscles & congestion this is an excellent blend to use in a warm soak.
- Fix yourself a large cup of water with lemon or herbal tea & put it next to your bathtub. (Grab your favorite book as well if you like)
- Begin filling your bath with the warmest water you can comfortably relax in. (bearing in mind you will be soaking for 15-20 minutes)
- Measure out one or two cups of Epsom Salt & add eight drops of Respiratory Relief Blend directly to the salt.
- While the bathwater is still running add the Epsom Salt (with essential oils in it) under the running water - this helps it to all mix together.
- Get in & soak for at least 15 - 20 minutes, sipping your water with lemon or herbal tea.
- When your time is up, pat yourself dry, put on your favorite cozy clothes & rest!
I hope you give Essential Oils a try & see if they are a good fit for you! I enjoy having multiple tools in my toolbelt as I navigate my overall health & wellness. I certainly avail modern medicine when needed & also love using natural remedies as well.
Wishing you health & joy,
Brooke Summers
