People associate essential oils with relaxation when they hear about them. But have you ever wondered about the other everyday uses of essential oils?
There’s actually more to its health benefits than providing a relaxing sensation that you will surely like. For thousands of years, man has depended on essential oils as one of its healers. Nature has equipped these wonders with the ability to relieve a lot of diseases, irritations, discomforts and pains.
Oftentimes, essential oils are either used as single oil or as a blend of two or more oils. This depends on the ailment and the desired benefit of the user, and they are usually administered in three different famous methods.
Keep reading as we detail more about the ways to use essential oils in your everyday life and its health benefits.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are natural oils obtained from plants, which contribute to their characteristics. To capture the aroma and essence of the plants, essential oils undergo a rigorous distillation process.
Each variety of essential oils can be used for aromatherapy, massage or skincare. Also, it is said to have many benefits, such as boosting mood, reducing stress, and improving skin health.
So if you are thinking of having one for yourself, we have listed some popular essential oils and their unique health benefits to you.
Here are some essential oils to try:
- Lavender oil
If you are looking for an all-in-one essential oil that you can use everyday then this one is perfect for you!
Lavender oil is an essential oil obtained by distillation from the flower spikes of certain species of lavender. It has a fresh, floral aroma with balsamic undertones which perfect for aromatherapy. The essential oil is also popular for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying or even antimicrobial purposes
- Coconut Oil
Coconuts are among our favorite fruits that quenches our thirst and fills our stomachs when we are hungry. But its uses don’t end there. You can also use it as an essential oil to experience its therapeutic benefits.
Coconut essential oil is a type of oil that is derived from the meat of coconuts. It is a popular ingredient in many beauty products and has a variety of uses.
Among its well-known uses are moisturizing the skin, hair, and nails. It can also be used to remove makeup, as a shaving cream, and to treat sunburns.
Coconut oil is also edible which means you can use it for cooking.
- Roman Chamomile Oil
Essential oils have been used to treat ailments and bring relaxation for the longest time you can imagine. One of these is chamomile oil. So if you like chamomile herbal tea, you will surely love its essential oil.
Roman chamomile oil is extracted from the Roman chamomile plant, which is a member of the daisy family. The oil has a sweet, fruity scent and is said to have calming and soothing properties. It is used in aromatherapy and is believed to be helpful in relieving stress, anxiety and insomnia.
What’s more interesting about this essential oil is that it can help ease premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies have found the positive effects of chamomile oil among women who are experiencing PMS and dysmenorrhea.
- Hyssop Oil
Hyssop oil is an essential oil that is gaining popularity due to its traditional properties and health benefits. This oil derived from the hyssop plant and offers numerous benefits and can be used to treat a variety of conditions.
Some of the benefits of hyssop oil include: reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and aiding in digestion. Additionally, this oil can also be used as an expectorant and can help to relive common cold and asthma.
Although hyssop oil is regarded as an effective remedy, it also contains other chemical substances that may pose a risk if used topically or orally. Keeping this in mind, consult your doctor before using it for the aforementioned purposes.
- Bergamot Oil
None of us are immune to diseases. That is why it is essential for us to have readily available remedies to keep us safe and protected. And bergamot oil is perfect for to do that job.
Bergamot oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange. The oil has a sweet, citrusy scent and is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and soaps. Bergamot oil is also used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and stress relief.
It also has magical benefits such as reducing risk of cancer and promoting healthy skin. In addition, this essential oil also have antibiotic properties which can prevent viruses and bacteria that causes fever.
Common ways to use essential oils
Now that you know what essential oils you can choose from and their health benefits, let’s talk about how to use them. The three ways of using essential oils are the following.
1. Aromatic
Essential oils are highly aromatic natural substances. They have a direct effect on the body’s olfactory system and they influence our sense of smell to send sensory messages to the brain. With this, essential oils may either calm and soothe it or stimulate it into active mode.
Essential oils are one of the main components in aromatherapy applications. Many practitioners of aromatherapy diffuse certain essential oils in the room to relieve stress and induce calmness. The scent of these essential oils helps people to relax and be relieved from tensions.
But not all essential oils have the same effect, for there are certain oils whose aromas can be stimulating.
Aside from their effects on the brain, diffusing essential oils can also help to purify the air and rid it of foul odor and airborne pathogens.
2. Topical
Another popular way to use essential oils is to use it for the skin. Essential oils can be applied directly on the skin for localized treatment and they can be used as massage oil to obtain relief from muscle and joint pains.
Their chemical structure allows them to penetrate the skin and into the bloodstream to provide internal benefit to the entire body. Ideally, it is best to massage the oil into the skin thoroughly to allow it to penetrate the skin. Or you can also try to apply drops of essential oil to your favorite lotion or cream.
But keep in mind that you will need to use carrier oil to dilute before applying to the skin. This way, you can reduce its concentration and maximize its effects to the skin.
How much essential oil should you put into your carriers?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of essential oil you should put into your carrier will vary depending on the oil’s properties and the desired effect.
However, a good rule of thumb is to start with a small amount (1-2 drops) and increase as needed. The typical ratio for essential oils to carrier oils is 3-5%.
3. Internal
There are certain types of essential oils that can be taken internally to address certain health issues.
These are the oils that contain powerful antioxidants, and they are used as dietary supplements to support your health and to strengthen your body’s resistance against inflammation and degeneration.
These includes:
- Coconut oil
- Bergamot oil
- Lemon oil
- Grapefruit oil
- Ginger oil
Although many aromatherapy practitioners are not in favor of the internal use of essential oils, there are actually lots of essential oils which are safe for dietary use.
But since some essential oils are toxic, you should not take any essential oil product internally without the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
You also need to read the dietary supplement facts of that product before deciding to take it.
As a word of caution, you should use only 100 percent pure therapeutic grade essential oils for best results and to avoid unwanted effects. Always read and follow warning labels and instructions before using essential oils. Pregnant women and people with medical conditions are advised to consult a medical professional before using essential oils.
Use essential oils every day
Essential oils have been used for years to treat ailments and relax the body. Today, it have grown in popularity over time due to their versatility.
It can be used in your home or office as a diffuser to purify the air, lift your mood, and focus your attention. Some essential oils can also be applied directly to the skin to keep it moisturized. While others are consumed internally.
Essential oils can help you support your mind and body naturally as you work, play, exercise, and rest. If you want to learn more about this, you can check out our food and mood boosters blog posts.
