Essential Oils 101: How to Use Them for Health and Wellness
February 16, 2023
7 min read
Essential oils have become increasingly popular in recent years as a natural way to improve health and well-being. However, using them safely is important to reap their benefits and avoid any potential risks.
This beginner's guide will teach you how to use essential oils safely and effectively.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants containing the plant's aromatic compounds. These compounds typically give the plant its unique scent, and many contain healing properties that can help with various health issues.
Essential oils are usually extracted through steam distillation or cold pressing and can be used topically, aromatically, or internally (though some should not be taken internally).
How Do You Use Essential Oils?
There are several different ways to use essential oils, depending on your needs. The most common methods include inhalation (via diffusers or steam inhalation) and topical application (using a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil).
When using essential oils topically, it is important to always dilute them with carrier oil before applying them directly to your skin. It is also important to test any new oil on a patch of skin before using it all over your body, as some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain types of essential oils.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils
For centuries, people have been using essential oils to reap numerous therapeutic benefits, including reducing physical and mental ailments or boosting their mood.
Essential oils have been used for centuries to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Modern research has begun to validate the various benefits of essential oils, revealing a deeper understanding of their natural healing properties. Some of the main benefits include:
1. Stress Reduction
Aromatherapy is effective in reducing stress and tension through the use of essential oils. Common oils to use for this purpose include lavender, chamomile and ylang-ylang.
2. Improved Sleep Quality
Essential oils can help promote relaxation and restful sleep by reducing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Common oils used to improve sleep quality include lavender, jasmine, and clary sage.
3. Pain Relief
Essential oils can help to reduce pain associated with inflammation, headaches or muscle soreness. Common oils used for this purpose include peppermint, ginger and eucalyptus oil.
4. Improved Mood
Inhaling essential oils has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can help to boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Common oils used for this purpose include lavender, bergamot, and chamomile.
5. Boost Immunity
Essential oils have natural antioxidant properties that can help to strengthen the body's immune system and fend off illnesses like flu and colds. Common oils used for boosting immunity include lemon, tea tree, and oregano oil.
Whether you enjoy their pleasant aromas through aromatherapy or incorporate them into your own natural wellness routine, these powerful plant extracts offer a wealth of healing benefits to help improve your overall health and well-being.
Get Started with These 10 Essential Oils
If you're new to essential oils, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of oils out there. From lavender and lemon to eucalyptus and rosemary, there are so many different scents and properties that it can be hard to keep track of them all.
To make things easier, here are 10 essential oils that every beginner should know about:
1. Lavender
This is perhaps the most well-known essential oil, with a sweet floral scent that is both calming and uplifting. Lavender has been used since ancient times as an antiseptic, an anti-inflammatory, and an anxiety-reducer.
It's also great for skin care; use it in a diffuser or dilute it in a carrier oil for topical application on your skin.
2. Peppermint
This oil has been used for centuries for its energizing aroma and medicinal properties. Peppermint helps to reduce nausea, headaches, aches, and pains, as well as helping to improve concentration and focus.
For a pick-me-up during the day, try using peppermint in your diffuser or adding a few drops to hot water for a soothing tea.
3. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has long been used for its antiseptic properties; it's known to help clear respiratory congestion and boost immunity. Its fresh menthol scent is also great for clearing up mental fatigue.
Diffuse it in your office or bedroom to give yourself an energy boost! Just make sure not to use eucalyptus around small children or pets, as they may find it too strong.
4. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is one of the most versatile essential oils out there; its antibacterial properties make it perfect for treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema. It's also great for cleaning surfaces around the home—just add a few drops of tea tree oil into some warm water for an all-natural cleaner!
5. Lemon
This zesty citrus oil is known for its energizing aroma; just add some lemon essential oil to your diffuser or directly onto your wrists before tackling those tricky tasks at work!n Lemon is also great at removing odors from carpets, clothes, and furniture—simply add a few drops of this magical oil onto any smelly surface!
6. Ylang-Ylang
This exotic flowery scent has long been known as an aphrodisiac. Combine ylang-ylang with other sensual scents, such as jasmine or rose, in the bedroom after dinner! It's also great at helping with insomnia—add some ylang-ylang into your diffuser before bedtime to help you drift off into dreamland more easily!
7. Rosemary
Rosemary has been used since ancient times as an invigorating tonic; just add some to your diffuser before heading off on those long morning commutes! It's also known to help reduce stress levels when added into massage blends; combine with other relaxing oils such as lavender or chamomile for maximum effect!
8. Frankincense
Frankincense is considered one of the most therapeutic essential oils due to its wide range of benefits, including promoting cellular health and reducing inflammation throughout the body. It can also be added to skincare products such as moisturizers or serums in order to improve your complexion.
When inhaled or applied topically on problem areas such as joints or muscles, frankincense can provide relief from aches and pains as well as improve overall immunity levels.
9. Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy because of its woody aroma that helps promote relaxation after a long day at work or school. This unique smell also works great as an insect repellent since bugs don't like strong smells like cedarwood.
Additionally, cedarwood can help treat scalp conditions such as dandruff by regulating sebum production on your scalp.
10. Oregano
Oregano oil is a natural remedy with multiple health benefits, especially when it comes to fighting colds and flu. Its antiviral properties make oregano oil one of the most potent essential oils you can use to treat respiratory infections.
It works by reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and providing relief from congestion and other symptoms associated with these illnesses. In addition, oregano oil can help to boost energy levels and reduce fatigue while providing a protective barrier against further infection.
Essential Oils Safety
Essential oils, when used properly and within recommended guidelines, can be an excellent addition to many aspects of our lives. However, it is important to remember that these potent plant extracts also carry potential risks if misused or not treated with care.
Inhalation of certain essential oils can cause irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs irritation, resulting in coughing fits and breathing problems. Essential oils such as tea tree oil have been known to cause contact dermatitis when applied directly to the skin.
People with certain medical conditions should exercise caution when using essential oils. Those with asthma, allergies, epilepsy, and other medical conditions should speak to their doctor before using essential oils. Pregnant women should also take caution when using essential oils, as some can be unsafe for unborn babies and could cause complications.
It is important always to use essential oils responsibly and follow the instructions on their label. Always read the warnings carefully and research any potential risks associated with a particular oil before using it. Additionally, always keep essential oils away from children and pets, as they can be dangerous if accidentally ingested or inhaled.
Discover the Wonders of Essential Oils
There are so many amazing essential oils out there that it can be hard deciding which ones are best suited for you. But these basic essential oils should definitely be part of any beginner’s collection—they are versatile enough that anyone can find ways to incorporate them into their daily routine regardless of their lifestyle needs or preferences.
So don’t be afraid of diving headfirst into the world of aromatherapy—these 10 tried-and-true essentials will help get you started off on the right foot!
