Essential Oils for Beginners

You’ve heard of them. Essential oils have become quite popular in the last few years, but do you really know what they are or what they can be used for? These oils have been used for centuries in areas including wellness, cosmetics and even relaxation.

But before we plunge into the detail of their use, here’s a definition from PlantTherapy.com.
In simple terms, essential oils is the liquid extracted from a part of a plant. It can be done through steaming distillation or cold pressing. The process separates the liquid from the plant seed, leaf or stem, so the oil is highly concentrated. That is why a little goes a long way. 

With the understanding of what an essential oil is we can jump into its benefits and uses.
Essential oils are not meant to cure an illness or medical issue, but can simply aid in limiting the inconvenient symptoms such as headaches, congestion, irritation or even acne. Each oil has its own benefits and uses that can help in different areas.

Let’s take a look at a few popular oils and what they do.

Lavender – Do you ever smell lavender and immediately feel your body relax? That’s because the aroma is known for aiding with relaxation and stress. If you need a stress free evening after a long day at work, draw a bath and add a few drops of the lavender essential oil.

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Chamomile  –  This essential oil is the ultimate relaxer. It’s often used in teas, but can also mix with massage oil to create a soothing experience.

Tea Tree – Another popular aromatherapy oil, tea tree is often used for infections and a healthy immune system. You can add a couple of drops directly on your skin, but avoid using it on serious cuts and burns. 

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Lemon – Freshness comes to mind when I think of lemon. This essential oil is great in the kitchen while cooking or cleaning. Can’t you just taste a drop of oil on your chicken or smell the clean lemony air? This oil is also great for acne prone skin where a small drop can be placed on blemishes to help reduce them.

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Peppermint – The strong scent of peppermint is great for upset stomachs or allergies. It sharpens the senses and wakes up your immune system.

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Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they should be paired with a carrier oil that dilutes the direct contact of the oil. The most common carriers are vegetable oils like coconut oil which thins out the essential oil so it’s not as harsh and it will last longer.  

To purchase essential oils you can check online for companies that produce them. Plant Therapy offers organic essential oil at a cheap price along with starter kits to help build your collection. Plant Therapy also provides ready to go cleaning supplies, lotions and carrier oils to get your essential oil life started.  

By: Sasha Azoqa