Ten Ways to Use Essential Oils Without a Diffuser

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I love my diffusers and I love my essential oils from Neal’s Yard Remedies. But sometimes I have friends who just start out with 1 or 2 oils and they have no idea what to do with the because they have’t gotten a diffuser yet. So what they should do. So here are ten ways to use essential oils without a diffuser.

1. A Steam Bowl

Ok here is how a steam bowl works. You get a big bowl and put some very hot or almost boiling water in it. You definitely want the steam. Then get a kitchen towel to create a tent over your head. Put your face near the steam and breathe in while trapping the steam in with that towel. This is especially good with essential oils that are known for respiratory wellness like lemon, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, frankincense, or tea tree.

2. In the Bath

Mix a few drops of essential oils in some milk and then add to the bath as it is filling up. Why milk? The essential oils will mix with the fat content instead of sitting on the surface of the water. It’s all about dispersion. Using essential oils in a bath can be a great activity for self care and can turn a normal bath into an AMAZING bath.

3. In the Shower

This is my husband’s favorite. He loves to put a few drops of Orange or Frankincense on the wall of the shower and let it drip down and turn a normal daily shower into an aromatherapy experience. Want an invigorating shower? Try eucalyptus or peppermint. (These would also support respiratory health). Want a relaxing shower before bed? Try lavender or vetiver.

4. Create a Room Spray

I created a room spray with essential oils, alcohol, and water with a group of moms a few months ago. We used these glass blue bottles and labels to make them really pretty! Keep in mind, that you should always shake it up before spraying.

5. Use in Essential Oil Jewelry

I now have an essential oil bracelet and a necklace. You can find many different sellers on ETSY or a way to make your own. Most pieces of jewelry use either felt or lava beads. You put a few drops of essential oils on it and then the smell stays for a few hours to days, in my experience.

6. On Felt

Just as felt can be used in jewelry, it can be used in other crafts. I had already made a fridge magnet using a clothespin, stamps, and felt. Now I add essential oils to the felt and use it in the car!

7. On a Tissue, or Cotton Ball

If you just want to smell an essential oil for the therapeutic benefits, don’t underestimate just putting a drop on a cotton ball or tissue!

8. In a scentless lotion or oil

I LOVE being able to mix my own scents. There are some basic rules on using top, middle, and base notes effectively to get the best mix. I get my organic scentless lotion and oil from Neal’s Yard Remedies, of course, and I have held workshops to put everything together. They are so fun!

9. On a Washcloth

Have you ever been to a yoga class or spa where they give you a cold or warm washcloth with some essential oils on it? These towels can be AMAZING. Whether you want something relaxing like lavender or uplifting like peppermint, it is a fabulous experience. Simply put some water and essential oils in a bowl and we the wash cloth and then ring the extra water out.

10. Smell them in the bottle

Lastly, you can always keep a few bottles of essential oils nearby and smell them to get the therapeutic effects without every using a drop. Keep some lavender, cedarwood, or vetiver by your bedside. Keep rosemary or peppermint by work work desk.

I hope this has given you some great ideas with how to go beyond the diffuser with your essential oils. I LOVE my Neal’s Yard Remedies diffusers (and love knowing that diffusing is the most safe and effective way to use essential oils) but I love having these other options around too.

Do you need more information or want to share an idea that YOU have? Comment below or come and join my group at Alicia’s Organic VIPs on Facebook.

Alicia Adams is the creator of Peppermint Tulip, a blog to share the organic life and products from Neal’s Yard Remedies. She lives in Texas with her husband and two young girls.