Alternative health practitioners and naturalists use essential oils to improve their client’s health and wellness. Oils are increasing in popularity and have become more easily accessible in recent years. If you are curious about using essential oils, make sure you know what they are, how they will benefit you, and how to use them properly.
What Are Essential Oils
Some people use essential oils because they smell great, while others use them for their potential health benefits, but what are they exactly? Essential oils are the concentrated extracts of plants believed to have beneficial impacts on users. There are two ways that manufacturers extract the oils from the plants.
The first way to extract the oils from the plants is through steam or water distillation. When exposed to the heat and moisture of the steam, the plant will release its oils, which are then pulled from the plant.
The second way to extract the oils from the plants is through a process called cold pressing. Cold pressing squeezes, or presses, the oils out of the plant without the use of steam or heat.
The result of oil extraction is a strong, potent oil. Concentrated oils have a higher amount of active ingredients. Oils collected from the extraction process are sometimes mixed with other plant oils or carrier oil. These diluted oils are blends or mixtures. Only oils that remain unmixed or undiluted are 100% pure essential oil.
Benefits of Commonly Used Essential Oils
Studies have shown that there are benefits of aromatherapy both psychologically and physically. Some of the psychological and physical benefits include:
- Improved mood
- Better, deeper sleep
- Headache relief
- Relax sore muscles
- Decreased inflammation
- Reduced stress and anxiety
Specific oils can be used to target specific ailments. For example, peppermint oil is known to settle an upset stomach and relieve headaches. Lemon oil and orange oil can kill bacteria and reduce anxiety.
How to Use Essential Oils
There are three ways to use essential oils. The application method you choose to use will depend on the specific oil and its intended result. Make sure that you read the oil’s label carefully so that you know the safest way to use it and benefit from it.
Inhale Diffused Vapors
One of the most common ways to diffuse essential oils for aromatherapy is to use a diffuser. With a diffuser, you will drop the oil into water. When the diffuser is on, tiny droplets of the oil are carried throughout the air via the water molecules allowing you to safely inhale the oil.
There are other ways to diffuse the oil if you want to try them without having to buy a diffuser. Try dry evaporation if you want to control how strong your experience is. For dry evaporation, simply place a few drops of oil on a cotton ball. Smell the cotton ball up close if you want a stronger experience, or set a bowl of cotton balls with oil next to you if you want a more subtle experience.
Another way to diffuse your oil is to put a few drops in a spray bottle with water. Spray the oil and water mixture into the air. You can spray the mixture multiple times per day or whenever you feel like the aroma and its effects are wearing off.
The most direct way to diffuse oil and inhale the vapors is to place the oil in hot, steaming water. Use caution with this method of diffusing. Only one or two drops of oil are needed and you want to take care not to burn yourself. This method is only recommended for people over the age of seven, unless specifically advised by a doctor.
Diluted and Apply Oils Topically
If you want to use an oil topically, it is recommended that you mix the oil with a carrier oil. Simply put, a carrier oil dilutes the essential oil and carries it onto your skin. Commonly used carrier oils include:
- Almond oil
- Argan oil
- Avocado oil
- Blackseed oil
- Coconut oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Jojoba oil
- Olive oil
- Rosehip oil
- Sunflower oil
These oils are popular because they do not have a strong scent, absorb quickly, and are the least likely to irritate your skin.
Ingest Oils
There are times when the best way to benefit from some oils is to ingest them. You can ingest oils in a few different ways. Some oils, like citrus and cumin, are great to use in your cooking or mix in your prepared food. Other oils may be placed directly in your mouth or swallowed in capsules. Only ingest the oils as directed by the label.
Choose Quality Essential Oils
When you buy essential oils, make sure they are high-quality products so that you get the most aromatherapeutic benefits available. Your carrier oil and diffusers should also have a high-quality rating. Read the label of the oil you intend to use. Proper use of the oil you choose to use is imperative for your safety.