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- Essential oils are concentrated and aromatic plant extracts that have been utilized for numerous years for cosmetic, medicinal and even spiritual purposes
- Essential oils can be used in different ways, such as being diffused into the air, added to bathwater, used as a massage oil or hot compress or mixed in homemade recipes
Aromatherapy assists your body’s natural ability to balance and heal itself. Organic essential oils can help physiological, psychological and spiritual practices to enhance your healing process and overall happiness.
Essential oils are concentrated and aromatic plant extracts that have been utilized for numerous years for cosmetic, medicinal and even spiritual purposes. They’re produced through two extraction methods: distillation and expression or cold pressing (often used to extract citrus essential oils).
What makes essential oils special are their biologically active volatile compounds in a highly concentrated form, which can provide therapeutic benefits. Essential oils can be used in different ways, such as being diffused into the air, added to bathwater, used as a massage oil or hot compress or mixed in homemade recipes for:1
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Cleaning sprays
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Room deodorizers
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Laundry fresheners
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Customized lotions and soap
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Facial toner
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Insect repellents
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These Are Some of the Most Popular Essential Oils Used Today
If you’re eager to incorporate essential oils into your daily routine, take note of these nine popular varieties that can do many wonders for your health:
In general, essential oils' effects begin when you inhale their fragrance, with the aroma then penetrating your bloodstream through your lungs.2 This process is said to be one of the mechanisms by which aromatherapy delivers its physiological effects. The fragrance also affects the limbic system in your brain that's responsible for controlling both your memories and emotions.
How Do Essential Oils Work Wonders for Your Body?
Numerous essential oils are known to possess antibacterial, antifungal and/or antiviral qualities. Plus, unlike antibiotics, essential oils do not promote resistance against bacteria.3 Essential oils have shown promise when it comes to relieving stress, pain and nausea, stabilizing mood and improving sleep, memory and energy levels. Here are some of the most common therapeutic uses of essential oils, and five examples of oils that can help with each concern:4,5
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Health Issue
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Essential Oils You Can Use
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Stress
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Lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine and ylang ylang
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| Insomnia |
Lavender,6 chamomile, jasmine, neroli and rose (avoid lemon, because it has an invigorating effect)7 |
| Anxiety |
Lavender, clary sage, Roman chamomile, orange and pine8 |
| Nausea and vomiting |
Lavender, lemon, clary sage, mint and ginger |
| Memory and attention |
Tea tree, citrus, cinnamon, clove and black pepper |
There are also three kinds of terpenes in essential oils, with each substance having its own set of benefits:9
- Phenylpropanoids: These possess antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral abilities. Phenylpropanoids are responsible for cleaning the receptor sites on the cells. They play an important role because if receptor sites aren’t clean, cells cannot communicate properly and the body malfunctions, causing diseases to develop. Clove, cassia, basil, cinnamon, oregano, anise and peppermint essential oils contain this type of terpene.
- Monoterpenes: These are found in most essential oils and can aid in “reprogramming” miswritten information in the cellular memory.
- Sesquiterpenes: Sesquiterpenes can help deliver oxygen to your tissues and make it more difficult for viruses, bacteria and even cancer cells to survive. These substances are found in essential oils like cedarwood, vetiver, spikenard, sandalwood, black pepper, patchouli, myrrh, ginger and frankincense.
What to Remember Before Buying Essential Oils
When buying any type of essential oil, look for a statement of purity. One hundred percent essential oil — meaning it hasn’t been diluted, altered or mixed with other substances — is highly ideal. The price of the product can be an indicator. If the product is cheap, it may reflect the oil’s poor quality.
Prior to using essential oils, consult a doctor and take an allergen patch test. This will determine if your skin will produce an allergic reaction to the said oil. If you’re going to apply essential oils on your skin, dilute them first in a carrier oil like almond, jojoba, coconut or olive oil. You can also dilute these in water (for misting).
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