Essential Oils Guide – Uses and Benefits

This Essential Oils Guide will explain some of the amazing healing properties of these oils. First, are you an individual looking for a natural way to solve almost all of your health-related problems?

Do you wish to reap the numerous benefits of essential oils but have absolutely no idea what they are?

Are you curious to know how essential oils are used? If so, it is in your best interest to read this comprehensive essential oils guide to the very end. As it is going to educate you on some common essential oils, their benefits, their contraindications and even show you how to use them.

You will be finally able to master the much elusive art of aromatherapy just by reading this informative article to the very end.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are complex organic chemical compounds that are extracted from natural plants. The plants used are particularly those with superior healing properties.

These potent yet highly beneficial oils can be extracted directly from the roots, seeds, leaves, fruits, flowers or barks of popular trees or plants from all over the world.

The essential oil extraction process usually entails the distillation of the tree or plant parts. With an aim of separating the water-based compounds and oils of the tree or plant through steaming among other effective processes.

Aromatherapy is the common practice of using the readily available essential oils as a potent form of holistic treatment that seeks to improve a person’s emotional, physical and mental health.

Contrary to what you may believe, not all the essential oils being sold out there are pure. Adulterated essential oils are those that are extended by synthetics and inferior oils.

Essential Oil Process

Such oils are relatively cheaper and may actually do more HARM than good when used due to the potentially harmful compounds used to make them.

It usually takes a very large amount of a specific plant to produce a single essential oil, hence; the super high concentration.

The essential oil concentration process literally separates only the most powerful beneficial healing compounds of the specific plant used in the oil.

There are situations, however, that different essential oils can be mixed together to enhance each other’s potency.

Despite their name, essential oils are not oils in the actual sense.

This is because they lack the fatty acid compounds that constitute what is deemed as actual oil.

What Grade Essential Oil?

There are various factors that should be considered when purchasing or choosing an essential oil. It is recommended that you consider your budget. The common safety issues, the fragrance, and the kind of impact you would like the oils to have on you and the surrounding environment.

Always make it a habit of purchasing only certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils from a reputable supplier.

Carrier Oils and their Use in Aromatherapy

Most essential oils should not be used directly on the skin in their undiluted form due to their high concentration. Such oils are usually combined with carrier oils (often called ‘real’ oils), alcohol, butter, wax or any other diluting compound.

It is, however, crucial to note that there are a few essential oils including lavender, rose geranium, sandalwood, German chamomile and tea tree that are considered safe even when used in their undiluted form.

Carrier oils are larger oils that are derived from the fatty part of a given plant or tree, thus; the name “real” oils.

These oils can be used to not only dilute essential oils but to also prolong their aromatherapy effects and the length of time they stay on your skin for maximum impact.

The commonly used carrier oils include:

• Avocado oil
• Pomegranate seed oil
• Jojoba oil
• Coconut oil
• Almond oil olive oil

Essential Oils Guide Applications.

Make the healing power of essential oils guide you to a healthier you. Below we explain the best 4 ways to use these healing essential oils:

1. Ingestion

Most essential oils if used sparingly can be a powerful form of medicine. This makes such essential oils safe for internal use. Essential oils like lemon, frankincense, and peppermint can be mixed with water and taken internally.

As a potent natural herbal remedy due to their numerous health benefits. You should never ingest an essential oil if you have been suffering from a pre-existing medical condition.

2. Inhalation

Various scientific findings reveal that essential oils can be absorbed into the bloodstream if inhaled.

This is thanks to the many blood vessels found in the lungs that actively absorb the inhaled oils and then circulate them throughout the human body.

There is a direct connection between your sense of smell and the brain’s limbic system(¹) that is responsible for processing your emotions, associations, and memories.

3. Topically

Almost all the chemical constituents present in essential oils have an average molecular weight of about 1000m (the symbol m represents the weight of a single molecule).

It is theoretically proven that all substances with a molecular weight that is lower than 1000m, can be absorbed by the human skin.

Essential oils are then able to penetrate the human skin, thus; passing into the bloodstream and being transported to various parts of the body.

4. Personal care

It is now common to come across various people using essential oils to make natural homemade DIY (Do It Yourself) personal care products.

This is probably the best way to use the oils to improve your home, beauty, and long-term health.

Household cleaners, lip balm, bug spray, body butter, shampoo, and toothpaste are just some of the homemade personal care products that can be made with essential oils.

The Top 12 Essential Oils and their Uses

Below you will find 12 of the best and most popular essential oils. We explain what they do and how to use them:

1. Lavender “Lavendula Angustifolia”

Lavender is considered to be the granddaddy of all the essential oils as it has been used for thousands of years now. Powerful Lavender’s profound healing effect, particularly on the central nervous system (CNS) makes it a key natural remedy for all stress-related disorders.

This oil can promote a sense of relaxation and rest when inhaled. Lavender’s potent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great natural remedy for various skin problems like acne and eczema. The essential oil is also widely recognized for its analgesic, antispasmodic, tonic and sedative properties.

2. Tea Tree

This is a very powerful antibacterial and antiseptic essential oil that can be used to treat multiple fungal infections like nail infections and athlete’s foot.

Tea Tree essential oil can be diluted into a potent mouthwash that can be used to treat bad breath or gingivitis.

The oil, which has a strong spicy, medicinal smell, can be mixed with any carrier oils to treat acne, bug bites, cuts, Candida infections, and warts.

3. Peppermint “Mentha piperita”

Peppermint essential oil is popular for its ability to relax the intestinal tract, hence; making it a highly effective remedy for heartburn, nausea, and almost all common types of digestive problems.

The oil’s cooling properties can be used to alleviate headaches and migraines.

Peppermint oil, which has a candy-like aroma, is a great mind stimulator which can increase your focus and stimulate your mind when inhaled.

This potent essential oil can also be used to reduce fever, offer muscle pain relief and boost energy. Peppermint essential oil should be kept away from the eyes and should not be used on the skin as it can cause irritation.

4. Chamomile

There are two types of Chamomile essential oils, namely Roman and German. According to various scientific studies.

Roman chamomile is more effective in treating PMS, impatience, and mental irritation.

While German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is better at treating skin irritation despite both oils having calming properties.

Both essential oils actively work to promote overall digestive health. German Chamomile essential oil also has potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

5. Eucalyptus “Eucalyptus globulus”

Eucalyptus essential oil is widely known throughout Europe, particularly for its sudorific, anti-catarrhal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, hence; making it a great treatment option for most respiratory disorders.

There are over 500 Eucalyptus species worldwide, yet Globulus is the tree variety that is mainly used to produce the potent essential oil.

The oil has a strong, very distinct aroma and can be used to boost the immune system, relieve muscle aches, cleanse the mind and alleviate headaches. People suffering from epilepsy, high blood pressure, and any heart conditions are asked to refrain from using this potent essential oil.

6. Rose

This is a great multi-purpose oil that is very costly due to its difficult extraction process. It is estimated that it takes about 60,000 actual roses to produce a single ounce of the essential oil.

Rose oil is widely recommended for treating sexual dysfunction, menopausal symptoms, stress, depression, and eczema.

The essential oil which has a rich, floral, sweet smell can be used to alleviate multiple emotional disorders.

7. Frankincense “Boswellia carterii”

This is a leading essential oil with a wide variety of uses. Frankincense essential oil can be used to boost the immune system. It also supports the brain, reduce inflammation, support tranquility and focused attention, quiet the mind, heal bruising and heal age spots.

There are various scientific findings that indicate Frankincense essential oil can be used to combat cancer as it facilitates the shrinking of brain tumors.

Frankincense is a great essential oil that can be used to alleviate various respiratory disorders, especially when used in aromatherapy massage.

8. Myrrh “Commiphora myrrha”

Myrrh is considered to be among the oldest essential oils being used in aromatherapy today.

This oil, which has been used for centuries to protect and heal the human skin also, has potent antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic properties.

Its mucolytic therapeutic properties make it a great treatment option for congestion, flu, coughs and colds.

Myrrh essential oil is commonly used in meditation thanks to its ability to promote peace and tranquility while calming the mind. The oil is also widely used in most skin care products as it promotes proper skin health and works to reduce stretch marks.

9. Rosemary “Rosmarinus officinalis”

Rosemary essential oil, which is popularly used to improve memory, can also be used as a potent tonic, restorative, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

The essential oil can be used to encourage clarity; clear thoughts and both strengthen and stimulate one’s mental activity.

You can also use Rosemary oil to make homemade DIY shampoo products due to its natural ability to thicken your hair.

This essential oils perform wonders, especially when used during reading, working or studying as it improves memory and brain function. It can be considered as a natural nootropic.

10. Jasmine Absolute “Jasminum grandiflorum”

Jasmine Absolute oil is relatively expensive due to its complex extraction process. Just like Rose oil a lot of flowers are required to produce a small amount of this essential oil. Although commonly used for its exotic, exhilarating fragrance.

Jasmine Absolute essential oil is also widely known for its unique mild analgesic, antiseptic and antidepressant properties. This oil is a potent aphrodisiac that can be used to treat various sexual disorders and spark romance.

Jasmine Absolute oil has also been scientifically proven to fight depression, fade dark spots and scars, alleviate emotional repression and diminish fears.

11. Ginger “Zingiber Officinalis”

Ginger oil is considered to be an excellent weapon, especially when used against muscle pain and inflammation. The essential oil has both carminative and antispasmodic properties.

Making it very effective in alleviating various digestive issues like nausea, bloating and indigestion.

Ginger essential oil can also be used to reduce inflammation and support the joints.

12. Palmarosa “Cymbopogon martini”

Palmarosa which is also known as “Rose Geranium, Indian Rose or Turkish Rose” is a potent essential oil that is widely used in the treatment of various infectious diseases and fevers.

The essential oil’s distinct rose-like smell makes it to be used as a common ingredient in most soaps and beauty cosmetic products.

Being an excellent immune system stimulant, Palmarosa essential oil can be used to treat a wide variety of skin disorders including eczema, acne, and dermatitis.

The oil can also be used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations thanks to its potent cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, cooling, calming and antibacterial properties.

Possible Contraindications and Other Precautionary Measures you Should Know

• Pregnant women should avoid using essential oils like myrrh, rosemary, peppermint, clary sage, cinnamon, basil, fennel, thyme, juniper and pennyroyal as they might affect their emotions.
• Individuals under blood thinner (heart) medications should never use rosemary, thyme, ginger, eucalyptus, clary sage, and cypress essential oils.
• Breastfeeding mothers should never use jasmine, mint, parsley or sage essential oils. Jasmine, for instance, has been scientifically proven to inhibit milk production.
• People suffering from epilepsy should not use wormwood, sage, fennel, rosemary or hyssop essential oils.
• You should never use an undiluted essential oil on a child or baby. Children have more delicate and much thinner skin than adults, hence; are more likely to be very sensitive to the oils’ potency.
• The following essential oils should never be used in any form of therapy due to their dangerous nature: camphor (brown and yellow), wormseed, wintergreen, mustard, mugwort, horseradish, boldo leaf, rue, and thuja.

CONCLUSION

There are literally hundreds of essential oils uses. This makes it crucial to always have an essential oil in your natural first aid kit as you never know when disaster strikes.

Always make it a habit of consulting a licensed herbalist, or health practitioner before using any of the oils mentioned in this comprehensive essential oils guide.