What are essential oils
A term I’ve heard on occasion but didn’t pay much attention to is “essential oils.” But suddenly my curiosity has risen because it seems that I’m hearing it more often. So I couldn’t help but wonder, what are essential oils and what are they used for? Also, what are essential oils and do they work?
Essential oils are compounds removed from plants. The oils confine the plant’s scent and flavor, also known as its essence. Unique fragrant compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence.
Essential oils are attained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical means, such as cold pressing. The way the oils are processed is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.
These oils are concentrated and very potent. Therefore, once the aromatic chemicals have been removed, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that’s ready for use. Carrier oils are vegetable oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil that have been derived from the seeds, kernels, or nuts of a plant.
What are essential oils used for
Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, a complementary therapy where various essential oils are applied to the body to aid both physical and emotional health and well-being (wellness). They are sniffed, or diluted then rubbed on the skin. They are not meant to be swallowed. Inhaling the aromas can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell and long-term memory. What is interesting, the limbic system is heavily involved in forming memories. This will partially make a case for why acquainted smells can trigger reminiscences or emotions. It also plays a role in controlling some unconscious physiological functions, such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. Some claim that essential oils can exert a physical effect on your body in this way. But this has not been confirmed in studies.
Aromatherapy is used to help with a wide range of health issues, from acne to asthma, depression to insomnia, and migraine to worms.
Well Known Types
There are more than 90 types of essential oils, each with its own distinctive aroma and potential health benefits.
Here’s a few of the popular ones and the health assertions associated with them:
- Sandalwood: Used to calm nerves and help with focus.
- Lavender: Used for stress relief.
- Peppermint: Used to boost energy and help with digestion.
- Jasmine: Used to help with depression, childbirth and libido
- Chamomile: Used for improving mood and relaxation.
- Lemon: Used to aid digestion, mood, headaches and more.
- Ylang-Ylang: Used to treat headaches, nausea and skin conditions.
- Tea Tree: Used to fight infections and boost immunity.
- Bergamot: Used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema.
- Rose: Used to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Other Uses
Essential oils have many uses outside of aromatherapy. Many people use them to scent their homes or wash things like laundry. They are additionally used as a natural scent in home-produced cosmetics and high-quality natural merchandise. It has also been suggested that they could provide a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to man-made mosquito repellents, such as DEET. However, results of their effectiveness have been mixed.
Their properties also indicate that some of them could be used industrially for extending the shelf life of foods. They also aid in healing infections, cleansing, cleaning and deodorizing. Tea Tree oil for example is used in environmentally friendly household cleaners.
In summary, aromatherapy isn’t the only use for essential oils. They can be used in and around the home, as well as industrially.
Where to buy Essential Oils
Many businesses claim that their oils are “pure” or “medical grade. Since it is an unregulated industry, the quality and composition of essential oils can vary greatly.
Therefore, the following tips might help to choose only high-quality oils:
- Purity: Find an oil that contains only aromatic plant compounds, without additives or synthetic oils. Pure oils usually list the plant’s botanical name.
- Quality: True essential oils are the ones that have been changed the least by the extraction process. Choose a chemical-free oil that has been extracted through distillation or mechanical cold pressing.
- Reputation: Purchase a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products.
Essential oils can be bought on-line. In fact, it is the best place to buy essential oils. You just need to know where to buy essential oils on line. For information on the largest on-line wellness company in North America that features essential oils with uncompromising quality, logon www.info@universal-health-products.com
to make your request.
Feel free to leave any question, comment or concern below.
Good Health!!
Wow, I didn’t know that essential oils had so many healing properties. I knew about the uses as far as stress and anxiety relief. I heard specifically that lavender was good for the reduction of stress. I will need to look into lemon and peppermint. I have lots of stomach issues. I think it is worth a try.
Absolutely Lee – Mother nature has lots in store for us! All the best!
Good Health!
Hi Nathaniel, thank you for your article. Very well written and very well organized. I really enjoy your writing style. This site is very informative. Now I know more about essential oil‘s, and would like to actually purchase some. My wife and I have been going through a lot emotionally just dealing with different politics with different organizations that we are a part of. So I feel like something like this would contribute positively. Where can I buy essential oil’s? Which brand do you recommend?Thank you for the article
Hi Eddie – Thanks! Politics always have a way of working into just about every thing these days! I recommend the Chamomile oil as it is known for its relaxing properties. I’m sure Amazon is a good place to start.
Good Health!
My favourite essential oils are tea tree, grapefruit and lemon. Tea tree is such an incredible healer and fantastic for all kinds of uses. I love too how brilliantly clean it smells. When my daughter was little and inevitably nits would be doing the rounds at infant school, I would braid her hair up and them put a little tea tree at the nape of her neck to keep the little pests away. So much better for her than the chemical formulas available and much more effective too. I use grapefruit oil to deter my cats from peeing where they shouldn’t and that works a treat as well as having such an energising and uplifting scent. Lemon oil I use alongside my natural cleaning products to freshen the loo and sinks.
Thank you for this education on the most commonly used essential oils, I shall certainly be trying out some new ones that you recommend.
Hi Ally – Looks like you’re pretty well versed with essential oils. Great! I use Tea Tree oil myself as a stain remover. It does have a pleasant scent. Let me know how you make out with the new oils you try.
Good Health!
Hi there,
Wow, I didn’t know there were so many essential oils on the market. It’s a bit overwhelming, but as you have mentioned all the types, it will be much easier to choose the one I need.
I am anxious by nature, so I need something that relaxes me. I think Chamomile will be great for me. Just a question, please. How many times a day should I take the Chamomile oil? Also, I would like to know if there is a quantity not to be exceeded?
Thank you for this excellent post!
Hi Daniella – yes, Chamomile is a great choice as it is known for it relaxing properties. The oil you can use 1 to 4 milliliters three times daily. If you’re taking any medications, please consult with your physician first.
Good Health!
Awesome article and educative one.These oils are concentrated and very potent and I really got new thing concerning this topic,the benefit,types and where to get essential oil,the quality to check when buying this product.These oils are concentrated and very potent,I strongly believed this statement.Thank you very much.You will surely rock more in online business.
Thanks Abayomi – Yes they are very potent and very effective. All the best when you explore them.
Good health!
Hello Admin,
Thank you for providing awareness and knowledge about this very important topic. By reading your article we know that there are more than 90 types of essential oils, each with its distinctive aroma and potential health benefits. I think this product is very helpful for our body. It will be very popular. Purchase a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products. I will be telling my friends about this product. Thanks for a nice review.
You’re welcome! I will be posting more!
I am using Tea Tree Oil blend with my facial toner to help with nourishing. It’s a trick I picked up from a DIY blog and it’s very cost-effective in reducing inflammation on my skin as I work in quite a dusty environment. The result has been good so far and I could see a brighter complexion for the past few months. No whitening cream whatsoever. I’ll be exploring other use of oils for skin care in the future.
Hi Cathy – Good use of the Tea Tree Oil as it is anti-inflammatory . Just think, no chemicals! Good luck with other oils for your skin!
Good Health!