There’s a reason the word “essential” is in the name “essential oils.” For some people, they are quite literally an essential product; a necessity they require for everyday purposes. In fact, many people use essential oils as a form of alternative medicine. If you’re prone to more holistic approaches to healing ailments and curing certain symptoms, essential oils are perfect for you.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oil is obtained through distillation via steam or cold pressing. Once the aromatic properties of the plant are extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create an essential oil. It’s important to pay attention to how the oil is made as those made through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.
The idea is to capture the plant’s scent, or essence, and then use those properties for certain healing benefits. Each plant has its own unique aromatic characteristics that can be used for different purposes.
TOP 7 OILS FOR AROMATHERAPY
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint oil is excellent for digestive problems. If you’re having a tummy ache, or worse (IBS), just rub a few drops of oil onto your stomach and let the peppermint do the rest. Peppermint oil is also a miracle worker for headaches and muscle aches. You can simply inhale peppermint oil or massage it into your temples and other aching muscles, and watch your pain drift away.
LAVENDER
Lavender is by far one of the most popular and versatile essential oils. Lavender has always been known to have a calming effect, but lavender essential oil can do so much more than that! Lavender essential oil is the powerhouse of all essential oils. Healing properties include reducing stress and anxiety, relieving pain, promoting relaxation, improving blood circulation, enhancing quality of sleep, repelling insects, disinfecting wounds, and much more.
LEMON
Lemon essential oil is the most popular citrus oil due to its versatility and powerful antioxidant properties. Lemon is best known to cleanse toxins from the body, rejuvenate energy, purify skin, and fight bacteria. The essential oil has all of these properties, plus the bonus of its refreshing scent! Lemon essential oil has been proven to reduce inflammation, relieve nausea, boost energy levels, fight bacteria, and ease digestion.
CLARY SAGE
Just like sage, clary sage essential oil is known to combat stress and ease frazzled nerves. It’s floral scent is incredibly pleasing and soothing. Clary sage can help with acne, skin inflammation, boils, dandruff, and muscle pains. However, the most intriguing aspect is its use for feminine discomfort. Clary sage can be used to help relieve menstrual cramps and regulate the menstrual flow. Just rub some oil on your lower abdomen and sit back while the pain subsides.
TEA TREE
Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree. It has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. Just like all essential oils, it can be inhaled or applied directly to the skin. Tea tree oil is a very versatile oil. It can be used as a natural hand sanitizer, deodorant, and antiseptic. It can also be used to fight acne, soothe skin inflammation, eliminate dandruff, get rid of nail fungus, and fight athlete’s foot.
EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus is one of the most popular essential oils. And that’s not solely due to its incredible scent. Eucalyptus essential oil has wonderful multi-faceted medicinal properties. Eucalyptus oil is great for colds, fevers, coughs, and congestion. Rub some on your chest or inhale the scent and feel your airways magically open up. It can also be used to nourish hair and counter itchy scalps. It even helps kill lice! Additionally, eucalyptus oil is excellent for muscle pain, joint pain, and arthritis.
SWEET ORANGE
Sweet orange is another one of the most beloved citrus oils. Orange essential oil promotes feelings of happiness and warmth, making it a fantastic oil for aromatherapy. It is also a beneficial oil to help improve digestion. Sweet orange essential oil is also great for the skin. It can be used to help treat acne, as well as improve dry, cracked skin.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS
There are many different ways essential oils can be used. Most commonly, a few drops of a chosen oil are mixed with some water in a diffuser. The aroma permeates throughout the room, creating a calming effect complemented by the selected scent. Essential oil diffusers are one of the best methods for getting the full effect of your oils, but there are other ways too. Here are some of our favorite ways to get creative with your oils:
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Add a few drops of your favorite oil to a bath
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Create a natural air freshener by mixing oils and water in a spray bottle
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Use oils for sexy time massages
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To keep shoes fresh, place a few drops of oil in each shoe. Bye bye stinky feet!
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Mix oils to create your own personal concoction for your specific needs
There’s a whole world of essential oils, each with different uses. Don’t feel like you’re limited to our 7 favorites. Experiment with different scents and work with the ones with benefits that line up with your needs. The goal is to find your zen- figure out what works best for you, breathe in the therapeutic scent, and let all your worries melt away.
