A Way To Better Health - 5 Ways Essential Oils Can Help*

Welcome to the fragrant world of essential oils. These are not your regular perfumes. They are not just any concentrated fragrant liquids either. They are not anything like you have ever used before. Essential oils are indeed concentrated in nature but they are extracts of various plants, roots, flowers, and much more. Various medical practitioners use essential oils in their treatments and practices. If you have heard even a little about aromatherapy or naturopathy, you must have a little idea about essential oils. Even if you don’t, it’s nothing to fret over.

Essential oils are liquid extractions that are derived from several beneficial plants and flowers. All the useful compounds from various medicinal plants and natural sources such as shrubs, roots, and petals are extracted and contained in a sterilized bottle. This is the easiest definition of essential oil. These are highly concentrated which gives them a very strong fragrance. They contain several active ingredients as well that are beneficial in more than one way.

Essential oils can be extracted through various processes. Two of the most popular ones are steam or water distillation and cold pressing.

Steam / Water Distillation

This is a process where hot water or steam is passed through the shoots, leaves, flowers, roots, and other parts of a plant

The process pulls out all the essential compounds from the source

The liquid or pulled out compounds are then collected

These may be processed further and concentrated and collected again

Cold Pressing

This is a mechanical process where the source/plant/flower is pressed or squeezed

The essential juices or oils are then collected in sterile containers

Note: Once the essential juices/oils have been extracted, they may be mixed with carrier oils to dilute their properties up to a certain level. The final product is not a pure essential oil but a mixture. Pure essential oils are highly sought after which makes them very expensive.

Few Examples Of The Most Commonly Used Essential Oils

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon is antibacterial, antiviral, and antihistamine in nature. It is one of the most sought-after ingredients that are capable of filling you with a unique freshness. Lemon essential oil is a very active ingredient that can kill bacteria and various viruses. It also helps in speeding up the healing process of any insect bites or wounds that you might have. The lemon essential oil can also be used to stimulate hair growth and is extensively used in various skin products as well.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a great cooling agent. It is a fantastic remedy for several pains and aches in your body. Sniffing on a little ball of cotton dipped in peppermint oil can get you rid of nose blockage and headaches. It improves your concentration and focus. Peppermint oil is also beneficial when you are trying to reduce your stress at work and calm down your mind.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is without a doubt the most popular oil out there. It is a highly potent concentrate with a lot of benefits. One of the most sought-after naturally made care products, it supports skin health and reduces several symptoms of stress and hypertension. It also promotes better sleeping habits and when defused regularly in small quantities, it can easily create a sense of calmness within your mind. It has also been found to be very helpful in improving digestion and promoting hair growth.

Oregano Oil

Oregano essential oil is quite a unique fragrance. It is a very powerful concentrate that should always be diluted with a bit of coconut oil or olive oil or water. You can apply it directly to the skin if you are looking to reduce soreness and stiffness in your muscles. It can help you get rid of athlete’s foot, ringworm, and those unsightly warts as well.

But How Do You Use Essential Oil? How To Make The Most Of Their Benefits? Let’s Find Out!

Using A Diffuser

This is the most common way to use essential oil. A diffuser is a device that is specifically made to use any kind of fragrance concentrate. It is one of the most practical ways to fill your room with a dreamy and relaxing fragrance. The most commonly used essential oil in a diffuser is again, without a doubt, lavender.

Dry Evaporation

Dry evaporation is also quite popular. You just have to place a few drops of the essential oil on a cotton ball or a tissue. Let this evaporate into the air. It is going to create a beautiful atmosphere and a soft fragrance throughout the room. Anybody in the immediate vicinity of the cotton ball will be able to smell the fragrance right away.

Steam It Out

You can also use your favorite essential oil in a bowl of steaming water. You can inhale the frequent vapors of the oil to calm down your nerves and relax your body. The most commonly used essential oils here are eucalyptus and peppermint. These are beneficial for your respiratory tract and especially if you have any sinus infection.

Spray Your Way To Calmness

Essential oils are also available in water-based concoctions. These can be simply shaken and sprayed into the air. You can effectively deodorize your room to give it a livelier and fresh feeling. You can create your own fragrance by adding different essential oils into a little bit of water. Orange essential oil and coffee concentrate go very well together.

Topical Application For Relaxation

If you are trying to relax and reduce any stiffness or pain in your muscles, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil into any carrier oil of your choice. You should be able to find several organic and cold-pressed carrier oils in the markets such as grapeseed, avocado, apricot, almond, and coconut. This mixture can be used to massage the sore and stiff areas of the body. These are highly relaxing and fill you with a sense of contentment and calmness instantly.

Final Thoughts

This was just a glimpse into the magnificent and endless world of essential oils. There are some other beautiful and extremely fragrant essential oils that you should be aware of as well. Those include tea tree, sweet orange, eucalyptus, rose, sandalwood, jasmine, and the list goes on and on. These tiny and fragrant concentrates can transport you to a realm of peace, tranquility, and calmness. Discover what it feels like to be pampered and cared for. But first, find out what your essential fragrance is today.