If you’re active on social media, have looked for healthcare alternatives, gone to yoga, or even the spa, you most likely have been introduced to essential oils! Although they’ve been around for a while, you’d be surprised how many people don’t know about essential oils or the amazing benefits of them.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated, natural oils that are produced from various flowers, trees, roots, seeds, shrubs, and bushes. Essential oils are more powerful than dried herbs and are complex substances that can be made up of as many as 300 ingredients.
Methods of Extraction
There are four main methods of extraction from flowers, shrubs, trees, roots, and seeds.
- Steam distillation
- Absolute oil extraction
- Resin distillation
- Cold pressing
How Essential Oils are Used
Aromatic
The most popular way to use essential oils are by inhalation. Oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle or diffused in your space.
Topical
Another way to use essential oils is by applying them directly to the skin. Some essential oils will recommend diluting the oil first. Using essential oils in this way is typically for massaging a a large part of your body.
Internal
There are a handful of essential oils that are recommended not to ingested, but many essential oils can be safely be taken in tablet form or mixed in with a favorite recipe or beverage.
Popular Essential Oils to Keep in Your Home
Lavender
Known of calming the body and mind, lavender essential oils can be used to relieve skin irritations, soothe cuts and burns, and help you sleep.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oils are a great way to clear the mind, help reduce fatigure, and increase energy before exercise. Peppermint can also be used to aid with digestion and relieve nasal congestion.
Lemon
Lemon essential oils are great for cleaning, disinfecting surfaces, and can help energize the body and mind. Lemon also helps support health immune system function abd cab akakuze tge digestive tract.