Understanding Essential Oils: The Basics

Have you ever wondered about essential oils? What exactly are they and what do they really do? Well, these potent, aromatic compounds have been used for centuries to promote physical and emotional well-being. Learning about essential oils has been on my list of things to do for a while and I finally took some steps to learn some basics. If you’re new to essential oils, you might find the vast array of options and information overwhelming.  Let’s take a quick look at some basics of what essential oils are, some common uses, how they are used, some safety precautions- and some resources that you can explore.

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What Are Essential Oils?

Plants contain phytochemicals that have beneficial effects for the plant and also for humans. Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts obtained from various parts of plants, including leaves, flowers, stems, and roots. They capture the plant’s aromatic essence and contain numerous beneficial properties. Each essential oil has its own unique aroma and therapeutic qualities, making them versatile tools for enhancing our lives. You may have seen or heard about lavender essential oil as it is well known and seems to be a go to for a lot of people. 

Essential oils are used to help with stress, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, energy, and mood-among other things. Essential oils should not be used in place of conventional medicine but as a complementary intervention. They can be a wonderful complement to assist with the management of multiple physical or emotional issues.

Choosing High-Quality Essential Oils And Safety

To fully experience the benefits of essential oils, it’s crucial to select high-quality, pure products. Look for reputable brands that offer 100% pure essential oils that are free from additives or synthetic substances. Be sure to read the labels carefully and opt for oils that have been third-party tested for purity and potency.

While essential oils can provide various health benefits, they are potent and should be used with caution. Always remember to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. Carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, or almond oil can help reduce the risk of skin irritation. Additionally, pregnant or nursing women, children, and individuals with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils.

Common Essential Oils, Their Uses, And How To Use Them

Here is a short list of some common essential oils that you may have heard of:

1. Lavender: Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender essential oil can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.
2. Peppermint: This refreshing oil can aide in boosting energy, soothing headaches, and aiding digestion.
3. Tea Tree: With powerful antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is often used for skin issues like acne and fungal infections.
4. Eucalyptus: Used for respiratory support, eucalyptus oil can help alleviate congestion and promote easier breathing.
5. Lemon: Fresh and invigorating, lemon oil can be used as a natural cleaner, as well as to uplift mood and enhance focus.

Here are some ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils:

1. Aromatic: Use a diffuser to disperse the aroma throughout a room to create a pleasant and therapeutic environment.
2. Topical: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and apply to the skin for targeted benefits. There are also many options for roll on products.
3. Inhalation: Place a few drops of oil on a tissue or cotton ball, cup your hands over your nose, and inhale. There are many options for aromatherapy jewelry using this method as well.
4. Bathing: Add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath to relax and unwind.

Experimenting with essential oil blends can be both fun and rewarding. You can create unique combinations to suit your specific needs or preferences by blending two or more together. When blending, start with a few drops of each oil and keep track of the ratios to recreate successful blends later.

Aromatherapy Resources: Essential Oils For Beginners

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy. As I previously mentioned, essential oils have been around for centuries. This research article gives a good overview of the history, as well as some safety considerations as it applies to clinical nursing aromatherapy programs: Clinical Aromatherapy – PMC

If you would like to get started in essential oils and aromatherapy there are most definitely some things that you need to be aware of besides the safety tips from above. Keep in mind:

• Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA
• Aromatherapy is an unregulated and unlicensed field
• Do your research when it comes to specific essential oils and specific conditions
• There are safety precautions involved with using diffusers- be sure to always follow the instructions for any diffuser that you purchase
• Never apply essential oils directly to the skin without knowing specifically about the precautions of that particular essential oil

I give you this information so you can go into it with safety in mind. I think that aromatherapy is a wonderful way to complement improving health, decreasing stress, and as a way to just simply relax. If you would like to get further into the health implications, you may be interested in this research article: Essential Oils and Health

Keep in mind that there is no formal license for aromatherapists. However, there are organizations that serve to hold a higher standard and safety in those that are members as they serve to advance the profession. The gold standard here is the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists: National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists. There are three level according to this article:

• Certified Aromatherapist- 50+ hours of training
• Certified Professional Aromatherapist- 200+ hours  of training
• Certified Clinical Aromatherapist -300+ hours that includes a more clinical approach

To get started quickly- and without too much worry about safety-you may be interested in trying aromatherapy candles. Aromatherapy candles contain essential oils-they are different from regular candles. Here is a resource on what makes an aromatherapy candle: Aromatherapy Candles.

There are also many aromatherapy jewelry options. You just add a few drops of essential oil to these beautiful bracelets I found on Etsy: Lava Beaded Diffuser Bracelet

Online Resources: Essential Oils For Beginners

Essential Oils For Self-Care .This blog is primarily focused on self-care for moms. However all her information can easily apply to any type of caregiver – or even just any individual really. She has several resources on essential oils as well as an e-book and some guides. If you are just interested in exploring, you may be interested to start here as it is free. I took the Essential Oils For Moms course and it is a good introduction on ways to use essential oils, some safety, and some ways to use them. It has a focus on self care. Also included are recipes for blends and tips on how to find quality oils. 

How To Find The Best Essential Oil Diffuser For You. This article gives you tips on choosing a diffuser and some traits that make it a good one.

How To Determine The Quality Of Essential Oils. This article gives tips on what to look for when choosing an essential oil.

The Spruce- 13 Best Essential Oil Brands.  This article breaks down 13 different brands with pros and cons for each with some good information on what to look for when choosing essential oils.

Getting Started With Essential Oils-A Beginner’s Guide. This article has lots of tips and links to useful information to help you get started.

I hope that this gave you somewhere to start in your essential oils journey, some resources, or some things to think about as you get started. Like many natural remedies, the effects of essential oils may take time to manifest. Consistency is vital in experiencing their full potential. Incorporate essential oils into your daily routine, and over time, you’ll likely notice positive changes in your well-being. As you continue your journey, remember to prioritize safety, choose high-quality products, and explore the vast array of oils and blends available. Let me know what you think or what your experience has been like with using essential oils in the comments below!

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Namaste!

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