You Guide to Essential Oils
Everybody knows that essential oils are excellent for the mind body and spirit but which ones are beneficial for a certain health issues?
Essential oils are natural and highly concentrated extracts from a flower, fruit, leaf, bark seed or root of a plant or tree and great for remedies for all sorts of home and health issues. They also can be used in a bath, for massage, in a diffuser as well as for use in homemade beauty and cleaning products and more. Benefits from the oils aren’t only due to a placebo effect it has also been scientifically proven too.
Tips for first-time buyers of essential oils
- Perfume oils aren’t the same as essential oils and don’t have the same therapeutic benefits
- Be aware that there are poor quality essential oils that won’t give you much benefits. These are oils that are diluted with cheaper, low-grade oils and synthetic fragrances. Make sure you purchase your oils form a reputable supplier so you know you will be getting the highest quality
- When searching for a company that sells essential oils, check to see if all of their different oils are sold at the same price. If they are that’s a sign that they are likely synthetic or of a lesser quality, as the cost of real essential oils should vary significantly, depending on how much of the raw material is used to produce the oil
- Essential oils shouldn’t be capped with a rubber glass dropper top as the oils will eventually turn the rubber into a gummy substance that will render your oil useless. They should be stored in dark glass bottle like amber or cobalt blue and kept in a cool dark place.
- Pay attention to the botanical name as there are different types of common plants used to create the oils, particularly Eucalyptus, Lavender, Anise, Bay, and Cedarwood. E.g. two distinct oils are called “bay essential oil” yet each one comes from a different plant and the aroma as well as the properties are different. Purchase only from companies that list the Latin name of the oil as well as the common name to avoid confusion.
What are the best essential oils for beginners?
Clove
Clove Essential oil is antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and antibacterial properties. It has long been used in treatments for problems like toothaches and it can help treat infection, battle stress and headaches, ease indigestion, nausea and more.
Chamomile
There are two types of chamomile Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. Roman Chamomile tends to be more calming while German Chamomile is more powerful anti-inflammatory agent as it contains azulene compound. Just a few of its beneficial properties including being an antibiotic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative and analgesic. It may help to relieve anxiety, tension and stress as well as to help in healing the skin and soothe irritation. It may also aid in better digestion. With so many different benefits chamomile oils is a must for anyone’s medicine cabinet.
Lavender
Lavender is known to help speed the healing time in cuts and burns as well as rashes and stings. It also can decrease anxiety, reduce inflammation and promotes better sleep especially after a trauma. Its properties include being an analgesic, anti-fungal, antiseptic, sleep inducing and disinfectant. There are different types of lavender essential oils including English varieties (Lavandula Angusifolias) French ( Lavandula Dentate) and Spike Lavender (Lavandula Latifola) which grows in lower elevation areas of France and Spain. Bulgarian Lavandula Angustfolia is considered to be the best pick as it’s lower in cost than the others but offers the same great benefits. Bulgaria is also the world’s biggest producer of lavender oil. For a better nights rest put a few drops on your pillow just before going to bed.
Ginger
Ginger Essential oil contains gingerol which has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies have shown it increases heat within the body resulting in a boosted metabolism which makes it easier to lose weight. It’s very stimulating and relieves nausea and pain, supports joint health and improves mental clarity.
Peppermint
Peppermint not only smells wonderful but it can help boost energy levels, improve focus, support healthier digestion, reduce fever and headaches, and provide relief for sore muscles. Some of its properties include being antiseptic, analgesic, a stimulant, anaesthetic and antispasmodic. It’s also an instant pick me up if fatigue hits.
Eucalyptus
This oil helps to improve respiratory issues such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and allergies. It has the ability to reduce congestion and improve mental clarity. Eucalyptus oil contains a number of important properties including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and it is also can be used as a decongestant.
Frankincense
This warm and exotic oil can be help reduce inflammation, aid in regulating the menstrual cycle, help rid of colds and build up immunity, heal age spots, fade scars, boost mood, wrinkle reducer, fight cancer and support brain health. Its most commonly used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant and a sedative.
Lemon
Lemon is one of the best oils to have on hand for use in making homemade cleaning products. Cold-pressed from lemon rinds, it has a strong, purifying citrus scent that helps to uplift and revitalise. Lemon oil is an amazing, natural cleaner, very effective when used to clean dishes, metal surfaces and even clothes. It is often used to clean items like knives and kitchen blocks that tend to get contaminated easily. Lemon oil is also quite calming. It’s another good essential oil to carry with you to help with mental fatigue, nervous tension, exhaustion and anxiety as it helps to refresh the mind and create a more positive mindset. It’s also good to treat candida infections, pain relief, help lose weight, alleviate morning sickness, a great skin toner, also good for degreasing your hair.
Tea Tree
Tea Tree is another great essential oil to have in your cabinet as it’s antibiotic, anti-fungal, antiseptic, expectorant and antiviral. It’s often used to suppress viral and bacterial infections. It can also be used to kill insects, protect a wound and speed up the healing of a scar. If you have a cold or a cough it can stimulate systemic functions and lessen its duration. Also used as an Acne treatment, helps rid of toenail fungus, ringworm and athletes foot.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit essential oil is considered to be a tonic, a disinfectant, stimulant, antiseptic and antidepressant. It supports a well-running metabolism and is even said to help reduce cellulite by mixing it with coconut oil and rubbing it on the affected areas. It also very for the stimulating mind, helping to improve mental clarity and memory. It also good for fluid retention, inflammation, suppressing appetite and cravings, helps promote fat loss.
Rosemary
Rosemary improves brain function and memory, making it ideal to use when working or studying. It’s also known to relieve mental fatigue, helping to focus on a particular task longer. It is also good to stimulate hair growth and thicken hair. If you want to enjoy thicker, healthier locks, add a bit to homemade shampoo and/or conditioner. Regular use can result in hair that is longer and stronger. If you suffer from dry flaky scalp or other scalp conditions, regularly massage the oil into your scalp to nourish it and eliminate dandruff. It also helps to reduce pain and relieve respiratory issues. Also helps to increase circulation, cure headaches, boost immunity, alleviate muscle and joint pain and cure indigestion. It also helps relieve discomfort from coughs, colds and flu symptoms.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood has a gorgeous earthy spicy aroma. It acts as a natural aphrodisiac that can boost libido and improve energy levels too. It’s also considered to be anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and also a calming sedative substance. There are three varieties of sandalwood, avoid Australian sandalwood (Santalum Spicatum) which does not offer many benefits, as well as Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum Ellipticum), as it tends to be very expensive without offering additional value. Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album), is considered to be the best to purchase. It also good as a sleep aid, increases alertness, treatment for acne, may help to protect against skin cancer, helps to relieve pain.
