Discover Essential Oils

For thousands of years, essential oils have been used all over the world by people to improve their health and well-being. It is a common misconception that essential oils just smell good. While it is true that they do all have a lovely aroma, each essential oil provides users with a plethora of benefits. They are used for spiritual and religious practices, and are popular additions to cosmetic and dietary routines. Essential oils are pure, volatile oils that are extracted from the leaves, stems or roots of plants. If you are new to essential oils, you will be hooked once you discover their transformative power. Using essential oils regularly can help you maintain homeostasis, clear your mind, and energize your body. Using essential oils can also relax, restore, and relieve what ails you. In this post I am going to share five very popular essential oils, their benefits and how to use them.

Lavender-

People love Lavender, and some may argue that it is the most popular essential oil. Lavendula angustfolia or English Lavender is a beloved garden herb with a sweet floral scent. The aroma is adored for its calming and sleep inducing properties. Lavender essential oil is also anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. It is great for treating skin ailments like eczema and acne. It is also used as a natural insect repellent. Lavender essential oil can also aid digestion and relieve sore muscles. When it comes to building an essential oil collection, Lavender oil is a must-have!

Eucalyptus-

Eucalyptus essential oil refers to oil extracted from any tree in the genus Eucalyptus. The fragrance and health benefits are determined by what specific plant within the genus it is sourced from. To keep things simple, I am only going to reference Eucalyptus globulus in this post. The fresh, slightly minty scent of this popular essential oil is easily recognizable. Most of us have experienced its scent when using decongestant chest rubs or some topical pain relievers. Eucalyptus has anti-microbial and immunostimulant properties, and will help you stave off the flu and common cold. In the warmer months, you can use it as an insect repellant. Most commonly Eucalyptus oil is used for it’s aromatherapy purposes. When inhaled Eucalyptus can clear the mind and provide a natural boost of energy.

Frankincense-

Frankincense is one of the oldest and most widely used essential oils in the world. It is extracted from the resin of the genus Boswellia. The most popular, Boswellia carterri, can be found growing in the wild of the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa. Frankincense has a unique aroma. It’s warm, woody and earthy with hints of citrus and balsam. The oil is frequently used in religious and spiritual rituals. When used for aromatherapy Frankincense oil boosts mood and provides stress relief. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The oil can be used as a digestive aid. A savior for your skin, Frankincense oil is used to reduce the appearance of scars, help wounds heal quicker, and offers relief from itchy bug bites and other skin conditions.

Lemon-

Lemon essential oil is commonly referred to as “sunshine in a bottle.” It is distilled from the rind of Citrus limon. Lemon essential oil has many health benefits due to its anti-microbial properties. It is also a natural pain reliever, effective anti-fungal treatment, weight-loss aid, and can relieve symptoms of severe nausea. The bright, fresh aroma is used in countless household cleaning products, soaps and air fresheners. Aromatherapy benefits of Lemon oil include, reduction of stress and anxiety, enhanced mood and it gives your concentration a boost.

Peppermint-

Peppermint essential oil is very popular with essential oil enthusiasts and gardners. The minty oil comes from the leaves of Mentha piperita and offers so much more than just an invigorating aroma. Peppermint oil is a wonderful way to prevent and treat the common cold and flu. Perform a gentle massage using the cooling oil to soothe joint and muscle pain and reduce inflammation. Deeply inhale it’s scent to help calm a headache or relieve nausea. Distill ten drops of Peppermint oil into one cup of water and add to a spray bottle. You can use the spray to cool your body off and repel bugs in the summer months.

These five oils are just the tip of the essential oil iceberg. There are so many to discover, each with their own benefits. Explore what is out there are come up with the collection that is most beneficial for you and your life.