I’ve dabbled with essential oils for years. Mostly spritzing lavender on pillows to soothe and encourage the sleep process for cranky babies and cavemen. I also picked up some grapefruit oil, simply because I found the scent pleasant and energizing. Recently, while I was amping up mileage for the Flying Pig 3-way, my coach suggested I pay more attention to recovery. For me this means two things: 1. Better nutrition, especially in that 30-minute post-workout window of time, and 2. Better body care through stretching, yoga and massage–all things I tend to blow off now and again.
Recently I was sent a trio of essential oils from doTerra: One each in Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint. Before we go any further, what exactly are essential oils? They’re natural, aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. They are often beautifully fragrant. Essential oils have been used throughout history in many cultures for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Essential oils have a unique chemical structure that allows them to pass directly through the skin.
They can be used in a multitude of ways:
Personally I’ve been adding a mix of lavender and peppermint oils to my ice baths. I also use that combo for post-run foot massages. Since I’m trying to get away from shampoo and body lotions that are packed with chemicals, I’m going to try adding a couple drops to unscented lotion or shampoo. Oh and I can’t wait to try using peppermint oil on the kids in hopes of enhancing their focus during study time. These last weeks of school are filled with distractions.
Wanna try some for yourself?
WIN IT! One lucky reader will win a doTerra kit that includes lavender, lemon and peppermint essential oil I mentioned here. Giveaway open to US and Canada.
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Do you use essential oils? Do you have a recovery trick?
Oh I just got mine in the mail and need to do a post. I used the rub for sore muscles after my 10 miler and it seemed to help:)
I LOVE doTerra! I got into their products not long ago. I love the lemon in my water all day every day. The Deep Blue rub does wonders for sore muscles!
I’ve been using lavender oil (actually in a pomade form) under my nose at night to prevent me from smelling my dog–we’ve washed her 3 times and the skunk odor lingers. I do believe it is helping me to sleep better too!
fingers crossed!
I la-la-la-LOVEEEE lavender!!!
I have used lavender oil in the past. Would be very interested to learn more!
Good luck to the participants!!!
I use oil before and after my workouts in the pool.
I have seen people talking about these more and more recently, I have never tried them!
I’ve never tried them but have heard so much about them!
I have used peppermint for my headaches and it has worked pretty well. I do like lavender for relaxing as well.
I do use some products that have essential oils, lavender is one that I like. For recovery I like a hot bath with epsom salt, and also hot packs (made with rice inside) heated up in the microwave. Actually have a little microwave in the bedroom for that purpose.
I just stayed with a girlfriend sunday night who bought some from a party. really interesting concept…just wonder how well they REALLY work?
You can certainly see your skills in the article you write.
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