Essential oils are fragrant extracts from various plants and are mainly used in alternative medicine known as aromatherapy. Different types of plants or parts of plants are used to make essential oils. The method of extracting the oils can include either distilling the plant material or going through a cold press.
The extracted oil contains a condensed amount of the plant fragrance. This is sometimes referred to as the essence of the plant, hence the name essential oils.
What are essential oils used for?
A major use for essential oils is in aromatherapy. This is the practice of using various scents to induce a therapeutic response in the mind and body. Aromatherapy believers state that certain types of essential oils produce different effects in the body and can be used for Healing purposes.
Another use of essential oils is to make them a body oil, cream, or ointment. Certain types of aromatic oils when combined with a Carrier oil Like coconut or jojoba oil, they are believed to have a beneficial effect on the skin. They are widely used to treat acne, burns, and other skin problems.
The reason an essential oil needs to be paired with a generic carrier oil is to dilute its effectiveness before rubbing it on the skin. Otherwise, the highly concentrated EO can cause side effects ranging from itching and redness to severe skin burns and pain.
Some popular essential oils and their uses are:
Lavender oil is linked to relaxation and is often used to aid sleep.
Peppermint oil is believed to have beneficial effects on people with upset stomachs and can help relieve headaches.
Lemongrass Oil was made shown to have an anxiolytic effect and can have a clarifying effect on the brain.
Orange oil can help cleanse your skin when applied topically (diluted).
Tea tree oil, also a diluted topical application, is believed to help with burns or scratches.
All of these and other uses are subject to interpretation and debate. There is very little clinical research to prove these claims. Some people swear by the effects of essential oils and use them continuously as part of their healthy lifestyle. It is important that you do your research before deciding whether or not the use of essential oils is right for you.
And when you do your research on the subject on the internet, you should be aware of the fact that many of the review websites that are very positive about essential oils are not as innocent or truthful as it may seem at first glance. Many of them are owned by marketers who participate in multilevel marketing (MLM) programs and often post false information and exaggerated claims. Here is more Here is a list of reputable essential oil brands available in the market today.
How are essential oils used?
There are many different ways to use essential oils. With all of these methods, it should be noted that essential oils must be diluted. They are very concentrated aromatic compounds that must be combined with water or other carrier oils before you inhale or apply them to your skin.
Some of the most common methods of using essential oils are:
Diffusers: These are small devices that create a light mist, similar to a humidifier. The diffuser takes water as a base and gently heats it to create a mist. You can add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to create a flavorful experience. Be careful with this technique as different oils can have different effects on people. It is possible that a scent that you really enjoy irritates someone else or even someone your pets.
Fragrance holder: If you want to use essential oils for aromatherapy but don’t have a diffuser, you can add a small amount of the oil to something that will diffuse the scent. The simplest example is a cotton ball. If you put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and leave it out, the effect is similar to that of the diffuser. There are also several types of personal inhalers on the market that can be used for this purpose.
Topical oils: Combining an essential oil with a less potent vegetable oil creates a solution that you can apply directly to your skin. Always research the oil well to ensure that the essential oil to vegetable oil ratio is appropriate. If you get this wrong, it can lead to a painful or even dangerous skin reaction.
Are Essential Oils Worth It?
Essential oils have one undoubted advantage – they can make a room smell nice. The health effects that any oil is said to have are not well documented and are largely based on anecdotal experiences that vary from person to person.
Everyone can experience the oils differently, so with general security guidelines You can experiment with different oils and methods to find the one that works for you. If you are unsure whether a particular oil or method of application is safe for you or those around you, it is always best to seek the advice of a professional doctor.
