Everything You Need To Know About Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used since ancient times for a variety of health benefits and uses. They are highly concentrated liquids that contain the active compounds of plants and can be used in a number of ways to improve your wellbeing. In this blog post we’ll take an in-depth look at essential oils, from what they are and their potential health benefits to how you can use them safely, store them properly, choose quality ones and explore some common applications. So let’s dive in!

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are volatile aromatic compounds found in plants and extracted by steam distillation or mechanical methods such as cold pressing. These highly concentrated liquid extracts carry the scent and flavor of the plant they come from, along with various other therapeutic properties. While most essential oils are made from flowers and herbs, there are also some made from roots, leaves, woods and resins. The compounds found in essential oils can vary greatly depending on the type of plant they’re derived from, so it’s important to know which oil is right for each situation.

Benefits Of Essential Oils

The potential benefits of essential oils are vast, ranging from stress relief and relaxation to improved skin tone and immune support. Many studies suggest that certain essential oils may help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, enhance mood and improve sleep. Some of the most popularly studied essential oils include lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile, frankincense, tea tree, lemon and eucalyptus.

Different Types Of Essential Oils

There are many different types of essential oils available today, each with its own unique set of properties and benefits. Popular choices include floral scents like lavender and ylang ylang; citrus scents like lemon and orange; woodsy scents like cedarwood and sandalwood; spicy scents like clove and cinnamon; minty scents like peppermint and spearmint; herbaceous scents like rosemary and thyme; and camphorous scents like eucalyptus and tea tree. Doterra is one of the leading producers of high quality essential oils.

How To Use Essential Oils Safely

It’s important to remember that essential oils are very potent and must be used with care. Before using any new oil for the first time, always do a patch test to make sure you don’t have any allergies or sensitivities. It’s also important to dilute essential oils before applying them directly onto the skin as they can cause irritation if applied neat (undiluted). For topical application, mix 2-3 drops of essential oil into 1 tablespoon of carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil before applying to the affected area.

Diffusing Essential Oils

Diffusing essential oils is a great way to enjoy their aromas while reaping their therapeutic benefits. There are several diffusers available today, including electric, candle-powered and ultrasonic varieties. Fill the reservoir with water according to manufacturer’s instructions, then add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) and turn on the diffuser. This will disperse tiny droplets of the oil throughout the room, filling it with its aroma and offering therapeutic benefits for everyone in the space.

Essential Oil Blends & DIY Recipes

For maximum benefit, consider creating custom blends of multiple essential oils. Begin by deciding which effects you’d like your blend to have (e.g., energizing, calming), then select up to 3 complementary essential oils that possess those desired qualities. Finally, create your blend by adding 2-3 drops of each oil into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or lotion base before applying or diffusing. You can find lots of recipes online or experiment with your own creations to get just the right combination for your needs.

Storing Essential Oils Properly

Once opened, essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures in order to preserve their therapeutic benefits. Make sure to keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use and label it clearly with the name of the oil, date purchased and best-by date (most oils should last about 6 months once opened). Additionally, make sure you only purchase small amounts of any given oil as large volumes tend to spoil faster than smaller quantities.

How To Choose Quality Essential Oils

Choosing quality essential oils is key to ensuring you’re getting the full range of benefits they offer. Always check the label carefully to make sure it lists the botanical Latin name of the plant extract as well as whether it was steam distilled or cold pressed (or another method). Additionally, look for certifications like USDA Organic or CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (Doterra) to ensure it meets standards for purity and potency. Lastly, whenever possible buy your essential oils from a trusted source to ensure you’re getting genuine products without additives or fillers.

Common Uses Of Essential Oils

Essential oils have many applications beyond just inhalation through diffusion – here are some of the most common uses:

• Adding a few drops of oil to bathwater for enhanced relaxation
• Creating homemade beauty products like lip balms, face masks or massage oils
• Mixing a few drops with cleaning supplies for added disinfectant power
• Making natural air fresheners with alcohol-free perfume sprays
• Adding a drop or two to humidifiers or potpourri for subtle fragrances

Conclusion

We’ve explored all the ins and outs of essential oils today – from what they are and their potential health benefits to how you can use them safely and properly store them. We’ve discussed different types of essential oils produced by brands like Doterra as well as explored various common uses for them both around the home and topically. With this information in mind you should now be better equipped to choose high quality essential oils and start incorporating them into your daily routine.