Essential oils are aromatic compounds extracted from various parts of plants. These components can now be isolated and used in the same quantity as they exist in nature.
Before it was not possible to extract all of the perfumes and aromas that make up an entire plant into one small bottle. Now with advancements in science, essential oils are created in labs and only essential components are extracted.
Essential oils can be used for a variety of purposes, such as aromatherapy, cleaning products, and personal hygiene. Those who are using a scented diffuser may also use essential oils.
How to Choose the Right Essential Oils
Great essential oils will have the best quality ingredients, with little to no additives or fillers. These types of essential oils take time to create and should not be cheapened by adding extra ingredients that do not need to be added.
When picking out an essential oil brand, it is important to ask questions about how they make sure their essential oils are clean and pure. When looking at all brands make sure the herbs they use come from sustainable agriculture sources.
When using essential oils, always make sure you dilute them before applying them topically on the skin. It is also important to research any contraindications of your essential oil brand.
For example, essential oils that contain pulegone should not be used by pregnant women or people with liver complications. If you are unsure if your essential oil blend contains something like this it is best to check first before use.
The Benefits of Essential Oils
Aside from using essential oils on scented diffusers, essential oils have been shown to be great ways to promote the health and well being of your body.
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years as natural remedies for many health ailments. Some essential oils can also help boost focus, relieve stress, and even repel bugs.
Great Essential Oils You Can Use
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia or lavender essential oil is an essential oil that comes from the flowers of the lavandula plant. This essential oil is typically used for aromatherapy and relaxation purposes.
In ancient cultures this essential oil was used to help promote restful sleep and relieve tension. Lavender is also used to help relieve muscle pain, fevers, headaches, and joint pains.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil comes from the peels of citrus fruits. This essential oil is typically used to help relieve skin conditions and promote healthy hair. Lemon essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to promote a sense of happiness and joy, and is often added to cleaning products because it has deodorizing properties.
Research shows that using lemon essential oils topically may help with reducing cellulite, helping with acne, or clearing up blemishes on the skin. If you suffer from hair loss, lemon essential oil could help promote healthy hair growth and gain back your lost volume.
Essential oils that contain basil, cilantro, oregano and thyme essential oils should be avoided while pregnant. Essential oils that contain bergamot essential oil may interact with medications such as blood thinners.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil comes from the leaves of the peppermint plant. This essential oil is typically used to help relieve pain, reduce nausea symptoms, promote healthy digestion, provide energy and improve mental alertness.
Research shows that using peppermint essential oils topically may help reduce symptoms associated with arthritis inflammation such as swelling and joint pain. If you are suffering from any type of medical condition or illness make sure you consult your doctor before trying any essential oils because essential oils interact with many medications.
Essential oils are commonly known to promote a sense of happiness and joy, but peppermint essential oil also provides relief from bad breath, headaches, and nausea symptoms caused by motion sickness. Peppermint essential oil is one of the safest essential oils available so it can be safely used on the skin and in food preparation.