By Arina Smith
Essential oils have become one of the biggest wellness trends in recent years thanks to their restorative healing properties, and the ability to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. If you’ve never tried essential oils before, it can be overwhelming to dive right into that world. There are many types of oils, each with their own benefits, and different ways to use them.
Here are some things beginners should know about essential oils.
What is an essential oil, anyway?
Essential oils are natural oils extracted from plants, flowers or fruits. They are concentrated and can be 100% pure, which makes them fragrant and potent.
While essential oils have gained popularity over the past few years, they have actually been in use for centuries, and many of their health benefits have been documented by medical researchers.
What kind should I get?
Each essential oil has a different property and purpose. It’s important to do research into each essential oil to find which will best suit your needs. For example, lavender is known for its calming and sedative-like qualities, as well as its ability to tame nausea, while peppermint is a soothing and antiseptic oil that can be used to treat acne, and lemon can help people with depression.
Figure out what you want essential oils to add to your life, whether it be aromatherapy or skincare, and then refine your search to pick the best oils for your needs.
It’s also important to test the oils and find which ones work for you — some might be too harsh for sensitive skin, for example, and some may cause a reaction in people with allergies.
Does the brand of oil matter?
Many companies now sell essential oils, and like with any product, there are some good and some bad oils. When searching for essential oils, look for ones that are organic: since essential oils are extracted from the plant essence, things like pesticides can get in there too. Lauren from madewithoils.com advises buyers to avoid deals that look too good to be true — if an oil claims to be high quality and 100% pure at an unbelievably low price, it’s likely it won’t live up to your expectations.
What do I do with it?
There are lots of different ways you can integrate essential oils into your wellness routine. One of the most popular ways is through aromatherapy with a diffuser. A diffuser takes water and a few drops of your chosen oil to create a soothing, scented mist that disperses through your home.
Essential oils can also be used for hair or skincare. A few drops of the right oil can be added to your moisturizer or coconut oil before being applied to your face or scalp. Remember to always do a patch test first!
Should I ingest them?
In a word, no! Most physicians and health experts advise against eating or swallowing essential oils. According to Refinery29, certain oils like tea tree or lavender could affect any medication that you’re taking, and others may have toxic side effects if ingested. Stick to aromatherapy!
With a little research and planning, essential oils could elevate your wellness routine and transform your life.
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