Essential oils are something that many people swear by, and other people find to be ridiculous. No matter where you land on the spectrum, essential oils can have positive benefits. Essential oils are often used for aromatherapy which is said to work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which send messages to the nervous and limbic system. In fact, studies have shown that aromatherapy can be used as an alternative form of medicine and can help the mind and body. Essential oils can even have medicinal effects when absorbed into the skin!
Again, the topic of essential oils is controversial, and there are a lot of opinions out there. However, in my personal experience, I have found aromatherapy and essential oils to help me cope with illness and mental health. So even if it doesn’t cure, it has definitely helped in my experience.
If you’ve ever been curious about aromatherapy and essential oils, look no further! Here is a simple guide to essential oils and everything you need to know!
Carrier oils are essential if you want to apply essential oils to the skin. Carrier oils are designed to dilute essential oils, making it safe for you to apply them. Because some essential oils are so potent, irritation can occur if you don’t use a carrier oil and you run the risk of using too much. Therefore, always, always, ALWAYS use a carrier oil when applying to the skin!
Depending on your skin type, there are lots of choices of carrier oils! Some of the most popular carrier oils, though, include sweet almond oil, coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, rosehip oil, and grapeseed oil. You can buy carrier oils very cheaply online and in stores.
Essential oil diffusers are a great way to start your essential oil journey! Essential oil diffusers are relatively inexpensive and are great to have! You can combine different essential oils to get a beautiful blend, or just stick to your favorite oil!
Please note that not all essential oils are ingestible! In fact, most of them are not. Make sure you read the bottles before you ingest them and to do your research! There are benefits to ingesting some essential oils, but if they aren’t food grade, you could be putting yourself at risk! Again, do your research, and if you aren’t sure, don’t eat it!
If you are going to invest in one essential oil, it should be lavender. Lavender is an excellent essential oil that can be used in multiple different situations but is best for soothing, calming, and relaxing the mind and body. Lavender is necessary for stress relief and can help you fall asleep if you are feeling restless.
Lavender can also be used to relieve PMS pain and tension and also soothe headaches and migraines. To help relieve PMS pain and tension, apply lavender oil (diluted with a carrier oil) to your abdomen and allow the pain to pass. For headaches and migraines, apply behind the ears and/or on the temples.
Peppermint is another essential oil that should be in everyone’s collection! Peppermint essential oil is often used to treat respiratory issues, digestive discomfort, headaches, fevers, and acid reflux. Peppermint has also shown to boost one’s energy and be refreshing to the psyche.
For a cough or chest discomfort associated with respiratory issues, apply diluted peppermint oil to the chest. For anxiety, dizziness, and fatigue use diluted peppermint oil behind the ears. For nausea or digestive problems, apply diluted oil to the abdomen and/or at the base of the neck.
Lemon essential oil is often seen as the detox oil for its ability to soothe a sore throat, helping with gout, helping with kidney stones, and boosting one’s overall mood. Lemon essential oils are also often used to aid in digestion, help soothe headaches, and help with seasonal respiratory ailments.
To help with chest congestion and seasonal cough, apply diluted lemon essential oil to the chest or the sole of the foot. You can even combine lemon and peppermint oils for added benefits! For headaches, apply diluted lemon essential oil behind the ears.
For an uplifted mood, diffuse the oil using an essential oil diffuser!
Frankincense is often referred to as the “universal oil” because it is suitable for pretty much everything. Frankincense is excellent for helping skin conditions, scars, wounds, and trauma. Frankincense is also fantastic for relaxation, depression, headaches, stress, boosts immunity, and reduces pain and inflammation.
Clary Sage is said to be fantastic for those suffering from depression. Along with helping those with depression, Clary Sage is also great for anxiety, stress, hot flashes, inflammation, PMS pain, infertility, and balancing hormones. Clary Sage is basically a woman’s best friend and is essential for every woman who deals with feminine hormones.
To help with the reproductive system, apply diluted Clary Sage to the heels and/or the abdomen.
Lemongrass is the essential oil that we all need for the things we don’t really like to talk about. Lemongrass essential oil is excellent for tummy troubles… you know the one… along with Helicobacter pylori, tendonitis, nerve pain, carpal tunnel, candida, and an antiperspirant.
To help with those tummy troubles, apply diluted lemongrass essential oil to the outer arch of the foot as it tends to help with the bladder and colon. If you have carpal tunnel, apply diluted lemongrass oil to the wrist!
Eucalyptus is a must-have during cold and flu season! Eucalyptus essential oils are often used to treat coughs, asthma, bronchitis, respiratory issues, allergies, and pneumonia. Eucalyptus is also a decongestant and is antibacterial.
During cold and flu season, diffuse eucalyptus throughout the house to help you sleep better. You can even bring the oil into the shower and allow the oil to clear your sinuses! If that isn’t enough, apply diluted eucalyptus oil to the chest to help with chest congestion and cough. If you have a headache, apply behind the ears like the lavender and peppermint!
You might be familiar with Chamomile tea’s benefits, and Roman Chamomile has similar effects! Roman Chamomile has been known to promote relaxation and improve one’s mood. Roman Chamomile also works great when combined with lavender as they both encourage serenity!
You may have heard of Ylang Ylang as it is often found in many perfumes. Ylang Ylang is commonly used to treat nausea and headaches and can also boost one’s mood! Due to its ability to promote relaxation, Ylang Ylang can also be used to help with sleep, and it can help with muscle and joint pain.
To help with shoulder or joint pain, apply diluted Ylang Ylang to the shoulders. To use Ylang Ylang as a mood booster or help you sleep, diffuse the essential oil!
Of course, there are many more essential oils to explore, but these are some of the most popular ones. Remember, what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another and essential oils should not be seen as a cure but rather a helping hand.
Try out different combinations of oils and see what works for you!
2016 has been quite the year. I’m sure the majority of us began the year with high hopes and excitement.…
The architecture, the people, the spirit. Those are only three of the millions of reasons why being a Seminole is…
Whether it's exam week or you're just having a bad day, these corgi puppies are cute enough to make it all…
Whether you live on campus or just commute for classes, being a part of the UNH community – at least…
OK, this may seem like another one of those common sense health articles, but with the harsh winter weather approaching, and layer…
Freshman orientation at the University of Louisville is a unique experience. It’s scary, exciting, and exhausting all at the same…
