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For thousands of years, plants have been used for their remarkable medicinal properties. Essential oils are a popular way to harness the power of plants for natural healing.
In this blog, we’ll look closely at what essential oils are, the most popular essential oils, and their various benefits.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts, sourced from the peels, resin, roots, leaves, flowers, and bark of various plants.
They are usually created through distillation, the process of steaming the plant to separate the water-based and oil-based compounds.
The result? A concentrated, aromatic oil with natural healing properties.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Whether used topically, internally, or for aromatherapy purposes, each essential oil offers unique benefits and applications.
Here’s a look at 7 of the best benefits of essential oils.
1. Essential Oils for Better Sleep
The title of the best essential oil for sleep goes to lavender oil. With its soothing, relaxing scent and calming properties, lavender oil is notorious for its ability to act as a natural sleep aid.
Lavender oil has been found to have a positive effect on sleep quality, especially for individuals who struggle with insomnia. Science suggests this is due to linalyl acetate and linalool, compounds found in lavender that give it calming properties.
2. Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines
Essential oils may provide natural headache relief by reducing stress and improving circulation.
The best essential oils for headaches include:
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
3. Essential Oils to Boost Energy Levels
Need an uplift? Essential oils are a natural way to boost energy levels and help you feel more focused.
Some oils, especially peppermint essential oil, can even support improved athletic performance. Other great essential oils for better energy levels include lemon and eucalyptus.
4. Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress
In a search for natural ways to reduce stress and tension, people are turning to essential oils for anxiety reduction. Because scents can stimulate the central nervous system, essential oils are a powerful way to support a more relaxed mood and reduce stress.
5. Essential Oils for Improved Brain Function
Essential oils can help support improved focus, memory, and concentration. Whether you’re facing a big deadline, have a busy schedule, or just want to be mentally sharp, using essential oils for aromatherapy can help keep you on task.
6. Essential Oils to Support Digestion
Essential oils have also been researched for their role in improving nausea, digestion, and upset stomach. Peppermint essential oil is a popular choice for soothing digestive upset and promoting the stimulation of important digestive enzymes.
Other useful essential oils for promoting better digestion include:
- Ginger
- Cardamom
- Lavender
- Rosemary
7. Essential Oils for Natural Cleaning Solutions
Many people are opting for natural cleaning solutions instead of chemical-laden cleaning products.
With natural antibacterial, deodorizing, and antiseptic properties, essential oils are gaining popularity as natural household cleaners. Essential oils also provide natural air freshening abilities for people who want to avoid toxic store-bought air fresheners.
Peppermint essential oil, tea tree oil, and lemon oil are especially popular household disinfectants.
How to Use Essential Oils
Below are three main ways to use essential oils.
1. Using a Diffuser
Inhaling a scent stimulates the limbic system, the area of the brain responsible for memory, emotions, and behaviour. Diffusing essential oils is an easy way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.
Simply add 8 to 10 drops of your favourite essential oil(s) to the diffuser and you can fill an entire room with the therapeutic aroma of your choice.
2. Topically
When used topically, essential oils may provide pain-relief properties, calming abilities, and various benefits.
To use essential oils topically, it is recommended to dilute them with carrier oil before application.
3. Internally
Although essential oils are natural, not all of them are safe for ingestion. Due to their concentrated properties, essential oils are extremely potent. It is crucial to check with a healthcare provider before ingesting any essential oils.
For essential oils that are safe to ingest, some individuals prefer putting a drop in water, a smoothie, or directly on their tongue.
Follow instructions closely when ingesting essential oils and discontinue use immediately in the event of an adverse reaction. Limit the internal use of any essential oils to a very small amount, for a short period.
Popular Essential Oils and Their Benefits
Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular essential oils and their benefits.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil has been reported to help:
- Relieve headaches
- Ease an upset stomach
- Stimulate and boost energy naturally
- Support focus and concentration
- Support digestion
- Fight fatigue
- Boost mood
- Ease muscle discomfort
How to use peppermint essential oil:
Topically: Dilute one drop of peppermint essential oil with 10 to 12 drops of Essence Coconut Application Oil and apply to the desired area.
Internally: Add one drop of peppermint essential oil to 4 ounces of liquid.
Aromatherapy: Place 8 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil in the Essence Aromatic Cool Mist Diffuser.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is known for its:
- Natural antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Ability to reduce odours
- Antiseptic properties
- Fresh, unique fragrance
- Air purification properties
How to use tea tree essential oil:
Topically: Dilute one drop of oil with 10 to 12 drops of Essence Coconut Application Oil and apply to the desired area.
Internally: Always check with a healthcare provider before ingesting any essential oil.
Aromatherapy: Place 8 to 10 drops of oil in the Essence Aromatic Cool Mist Diffuser.
Frankincense
Frankincense, known as the king of essential oils, is beloved for:
- Promoting emotional wellness
- Its spicy, potent, woodsy fragrance
- Aromatherapy purposes
- Promoting high-quality sleep
- Reducing inflammation
How to use frankincense essential oil:
Topically: Dilute one drop of essential oil with 10 to 12 drops of Essence Coconut Application Oil and apply to the desired area.
Internally: Add one drop of frankincense essential oil to 4 ounces of liquid.
Aromatherapy: Place 8 to 10 drops of oil in the Essence Aromatic Cool Mist Diffuser
Lavender Essential Oil
With its light floral scent, lavender oil is notorious for its ability to:
- Naturally, ease stress and promote feelings of relaxation
- Support high-quality sleep
- Relieve irritability
- Reduce anxiety and tension
How to use lavender essential oil:
Topically: Dilute one drop of lavender essential oil with 10 to 12 drops of Essence Coconut Application Oil and apply to the desired area.
Internally: Add one drop of lavender essential oil to 4 ounces of liquid.
Aromatherapy: Place 8 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil in the Essence Aromatic Cool Mist Diffuser.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is known for its:
- Antiseptic properties
- Effectiveness when used in homemade cleaning products
- Antibacterial properties
- Ability to support an uplifted mood
- Versatility
- Fresh, invigorating citrus scent
How to Use Lemon Essential Oil:
Topically: Dilute one drop of lemon essential oil with 10 to 12 drops of Essence Coconut Application Oil and apply to the desired area.
Internally: Add one drop of lemon essential oil to 4 ounces of liquid.
Aromatherapy: Place 8 to 10 drops of lemon essential oil in the Essence Aromatic Cool Mist Diffuser.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is often used for:
- Promoting easier breathing when diffused in a room
- Its antimicrobial properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Its distinctive, slightly minty, fresh scent
How to use eucalyptus essential oil:
Topically: Dilute one drop of oil with 10 to 12 drops of Essence Coconut Application Oil and apply to the desired area.
Internally: Eucalyptus essential oil is not recommended for internal use.
Aromatherapy: Place 8 to 10 drops of oil in the Essence Aromatic Cool Mist Diffuser.
Considerations When Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural but highly potent, making it important to be mindful of how you use them and who you use them around.
Certain people can be sensitive to essential oils. Pets can also experience adverse reactions to certain essential oils.
Always research how to use each essential oil carefully before use. While some essential oils are safe for ingestion, others are not. Recommendations when using essential oils safely include:
- Use a carrier oil when applying an essential oil topically
- Perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
- Perform an inhalation test to make sure you do not have an adverse reaction to a new oil
- Start by using essential oils for aromatherapy before moving on to topical or internal use
- Take care when using essential oils on or around pregnant women, infants, and young children (gentler options such as lavender and frankincense may be worth considering)
- Check with your healthcare provider before use, especially internally
- Carefully follow any usage instructions for each particular essential oil
- Start slow
- When diffusing essential oils, use in a well-ventilated room, away from any heat sources or fires
Want to Learn More About Essential Oils and Their Benefits?
Essential oils have long been used for their various benefits and natural properties. If you’d like to learn more about essential oils or get personalized product recommendations, please feel free to reach out to us.
