What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from the roots, leaves, seeds, or flowers of plants. They contain the true essence of the plant they are extracted from and are highly concentrated, which makes them very potent. Essential oils are not really oils in the true sense, but are called oils because they do not mix with water.
Essential oils are extracted from plants through processes like steam distillation, cold pressing, and resin tapping. They contain the aroma, flavor, and therapeutic properties of the plant. There are hundreds of essential oils available today that are extracted from flowers, herbs, trees, shrubs, roots, bushes, and seeds.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Essential oils offer a wide range of benefits. Here are some of the main ways they can be used:
- Aromatherapy - Essential oils can be inhaled or applied topically for mental and emotional benefits. The aroma of the oils can affect mood, memory, stress, and more.
- Personal care - Oils like lavender, sandalwood and tea tree can be added to soaps, lotions and shampoos for improved hair and skin benefits.
- Household cleaning - Many essential oils have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties and can be used to clean kitchens, bathrooms, carpets and more in an eco-friendly way.
- Massage - Oils like eucalyptus and peppermint can enhance massage by improving circulation and relaxation.
- Diffusion - Essential oil diffusers allow oils to be dispersed in a room to purify air, reduce bacteria and mold, and provide aromatherapy benefits.
Most Popular Essential Oils
There are hundreds of essential oils to choose from. Here are some of the most popular and useful oils:
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most versatile oils. It has a floral, fresh, sweet aroma that is soothing and relaxing. Lavender oil uses include:
- Reduce anxiety and emotional stress
- Improve sleep
- Treat minor cuts, bruises and burns
- Repel insects like mosquitoes
- Reduce allergy symptoms
- Alleviate headaches
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has a medicinal, woodsy scent and can offer cleansing and healing benefits. It can be used for:
- Treating acne
- Sanitizing surfaces
- Removing mold and mildew
- Repelling insects
- Treating fungal infections like athlete's foot
- Killing bacteria
Peppermint Oil
Invigorating peppermint essential oil smells minty and fresh. It is useful for:
- Improving digestion
- Providing respiratory support
- Increasing energy and alertness
- Reducing nausea
- Relieving headaches
- Repelling rodents and spiders
Lemon Oil
Bright, energizing lemon oil has a sweet citrus aroma. It offers benefits like:
- Boosting mood
- Aiding digestion
- Increasing focus and concentration
- Disinfecting surfaces
- Deodorizing rooms
- Cleaning grease and grime
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil has a clean, earthy scent. It is commonly used for:
- Decongesting sinus and respiratory issues
- Treating coughs and colds
- Relieving muscle aches and pains
- Wound healing
- Repelling insects
How to Buy Essential Oils
When you are ready to buy essential oils, here are some tips on how to select the best quality oils:
Buy 100% Pure Oils
Be sure you are purchasing 100% pure essential oils, not synthetic fragrances. Pure oils are extracted from plants and contain only botanical ingredients. Synthetic fragrance oils are artificially created in a lab.
Look for quality indicators
High quality essential oils will often list the Latin botanical name and the method of extraction on the bottle. Terms like "therapeutic grade," "aromatherapy grade, and food grade are also signs of purity.
Research the Company
Purchase oils from reputable companies that specialize in essential oils. Research their distillation and testing methods. Many companies that sell essential oils will provide testing information from independent labs.
Avoid Low Prices
Very cheap essential oils are often diluted or contain synthetic chemicals rather than pure plant extracts. While prices vary, very low prices (just a few dollars per bottle) likely indicate poor quality.
Consider Organic
For purer essential oils, look for those made with organic plants. Organic oils are grown without pesticides and herbicides that can accumulate in the oils.
Buy Small Bottles First
Until you determine which essential oils benefits you the most, purchase smaller 10-15 ml bottles. This allows you to sample different oils without overspending.
Where to Buy Essential Oils
You can find essential oils for sale in several places. Some of the best places to buy pure, high-quality essential oils include:
Online
Purchasing essential oils online allows you to easily compare different companies and products. Reputable essential oil companies will ship oils quickly to your door. Look for those that provide educational resources and GC/MS testing reports.
Health Food Stores
Many health food stores and co-ops now sell essential oils. They often stock smaller, independent essential oil brands you won't find at big box retailers. Their sales staff can provide guidance on selecting quality oils.
Aromatherapy Shops
Stores focusing specifically on aromatherapy and essential oils are another option. These specialized shops offer a wide range of essential oils from various companies. Their aromatherapists can help match you with the right oils.
Multi-level Marketing Companies
Many direct sales companies like Young Living, doTERRA, and Amo also sell essential oils. Buying directly from a distributor allows you to ask questions about each oil.
Pharmacies
Large pharmacies and stores with pharmacies often have essential oils for sale. Their selection is generally limited to more common oils like lavender and peppermint.
Craft Stores
Some craft stores like Michaels sell certain essential oils along with aromatherapy supplies. Be aware their selection is usually smaller.
Top Essential Oil Brands
With hundreds of essential oil companies to choose from, it can be tough to determine which brands offer the best quality oils. Here are some of the most well-respected essential oil brands on the market:
Young Living
Young Living is considered an industry leader in essential oils. They offer a wide selection of high-quality essential oils and oil-infused products sourced from their own farms.
doTERRA
doTERRA is another popular multi-level essential oil company. Their testing standards exceed industry requirements and their oils are carefully sourced from global growers.
Plant Therapy
Plant Therapy is known for their commitment to quality testing and organic sourcing. Their KidSafe line has oils gentle enough for children.
Edens Garden
Edens Garden offers an affordable, pure line of essential oils in a variety of sizes. Their oils are GC/MS tested for quality.
Rocky Mountain Oils
Rocky Mountain Oils sells a natural, high quality line of essential oils tested for purity. Their selection includes both common and harder to find oils.
Now Foods
Now Foods carries one of the most affordable lines of essential oils available. Their oils are rigorously tested and packaged simply.
Plant Guru
Plant Guru essential oils offer quality oils at bargain prices. Their large selection includes popular oil varieties.
Healing Solutions
Healing Solutions provides extensively tested therapeutic grade oils at affordable prices. They offer a good variety of oil options.
Essential Oil Recipes
Once you have a collection of pure essential oils, you can start creating your own recipes. Essential oils are very potent so they must be diluted before applying them to skin. Here are some easy essential oil recipes:
Relaxing Bath Salts
Combine 1 cup Epsom salts, 12 cup baking soda, and 10 drops lavender essential oil. Stir mixture until the oils are fully incorporated. Add 14 cup while drawing a warm bath.
Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner
Add 20 drops each lemon essential oil and orange essential oil to a 16 oz spray bottle. Fill bottle with water and white vinegar. Shake well before each use.
Refreshing Diffuser Blend
For an energizing aroma, add 5 drops each rosemary, grapefruit, and lemon essential oils into your diffuser as directed. Enjoy the vibrant citrus scent.
Stress Relief Roll On
Fill a 10ml roller bottle 34 full with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil. Add 6 drops lavender oil and 4 drops frankincense oil. Apply to wrists as needed.
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils
When working with essential oils, be sure to follow these safety guidelines:
- Perform a skin patch test before widespread use to check for allergic reactions.
- Always dilute essential oils before applying them directly to skin.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure when using citrus oils as they can cause sun sensitivity.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets as they are very concentrated.
- Read labels carefully and follow usage directions for each essential oil.
- Talk to your doctor before using essential oils if you have a medical condition or take medication.
Get Started with Essential Oils
Essential oils offer a wide array of natural therapeutic benefits. With proper use, they can enhance overall wellbeing without harsh chemicals. Sampling affordable starter collections is a great way to discover which oils you respond to best. Once you find your favorites, research companies to find high quality oils sold at reasonable prices.
Equipped with the right information, locating pure essential oils near you is simple. Seek out reputable specialty shops and companies. Then start reaping all the wellness advantages these concentrated plant essences have to offer.
FAQs
What are the most common uses for essential oils?
Some of the top uses for essential oils include aromatherapy, personal care products, household cleaning, massage, and diffusing for air purification.
How should you store essential oils?
Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep bottles tightly closed when not in use for maximum freshness.
Can you ingest essential oils?
Most essential oils are not meant to be swallowed or ingested. Unless specifically labeled for internal use, essential oils should be diluted and applied topically or diffused into the air.
What are carrier oils?
Carrier oils are vegetable oils like coconut, almond, and jojoba oil that can be combined with essential oils before applying to skin. This dilutes the essential oils to a safe, usable concentration.
How long do essential oils last?
If stored properly, most essential oils will retain their potency for 1-2 years. Citrus oils like lemon and lime will last about 6 months before oxidizing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment