…So You’ve Decided To Go Green…
So, you’ve decided to go green. Congratulations on taking a step towards a more conscious lifestyle. Essential oils can be a great addition to your green lifestyle. Have you been looking for an alternative form of relaxation or relief from headaches and muscle aches? Essential oils have been used all throughout history as a natural way to treat a variety of ailments. They’re also incredibly versatile – they can be used for aromatherapy, beauty routines, medicinal purposes, and more. Whether you’re a long-time user, just starting out, or a skeptic looking to try them out for the first time, here is our guide to essential oils like coconut oil, cbd oil and almond oil, and how to use them.
The first step of going green is easy: use all-natural cleaners and beauty products as often as possible. Yes, it does cost a little more than their non-green counterparts but think of the long-term savings and effects on your health.
Personal Care
The next step is a bit more complex: switch to non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives for personal care products such as shampoos and body lotions. Even though these products are not in the mainstream market yet (or at least not in Canada), there is an abundance of information available on the subject. But, if you are looking for some guidance, here are a few natural oil-based recipes you can try yourself at home.
1) Peppermint Body Lotion
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E
- 15 drops of peppermint essential oil
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an 8-ounce glass jar with an airtight cap—store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
2) Pineapple Face Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- One teaspoon brown sugar
- Five drops of pineapple essential oil
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an 8-ounce glass jar with an airtight cap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
3) Frankincense Face Cream
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup almond oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E
- Ten drops of frankincense essential oil
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an 8-ounce glass jar with an airtight cap—store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
4) Rosemary Mint Shampoo
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerine
- 5 drops of rosemary oil
- 5 drops of peppermint oil
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an 8-ounce glass jar with an airtight cap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
5) Lavender Conditioner
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E
- 15 drops of lavender essential oil
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an 8-ounce glass jar with an airtight cap—store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
6) Ylang Ylang Conditioner
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E
- Ten drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an 8-ounce glass jar with an airtight cap—store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
7) CBD Moisturizer
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E
- Five drops of CBD oil
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an 8-ounce glass jar with an airtight cap—store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Patch Test
However, before using any new beauty product, you need to perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of the new oil-based cleanser or moisturizer behind your ear. Allow it to sit there for 24 hours and then look inside that same area for any redness, irritation, itching, or swelling. If no adverse effects are observed, it’s safe to assume the product is safe
Note: Make sure not to use more than ten drops of essential oil per 8-ounce glass jar, as the product may become too strong.
Best for You
Remember that this is just an example of what you can do by yourself at home. Feel free to experiment by mixing and matching different oils, kinds of milk, and types of butter.
If you don’t know which essential oil is the best for your skin type, consult a professional aromatherapist or dermatologist who will be able to help you come up with the right combination.
