Essential oils are plant botanicals and were the first ancient medicines used thousands of years ago. They can be used topically (applied to the skin, oftentimes with a carrier oil used as a diluter), aromatically (diffused into the air to be inhaled), internally (ingested for medicinal purposes) and even used in food preparation.

Please note that essential oils should only be taken internally for medicinal purposes under the direction of a certified aromatherapist due to the concentrated nature of the chemical compounds.

Still, most uses of oils and their benefits are realized through application and inhalation and it is easy to get started!

It is important when using essential oils to only use therapeutic grade, which is the highest level of purity and means that the oils are extracted from the plants without any chemicals using techniques such as steam extraction, cold pressing or resin extraction.

Since oils are generally used to help the world move towards a cleaner, more holistic way of life, this issue of purity is an important one and is why people tend to become loyal to one brand or another. It’s important that your oils do not contain: chemicals, synthetic dilution or expiration dates – this means that these oils offer the best levels of purity.

What are essential oils used for?

Essential oils can be used in many ways to support a healthier lifestyle. Since each oil has it’s own natural chemical compounds – there is a wide variety of ways they are typically used. However, claiming that an essential oil can ‘cure’ makes it a ‘drug’ in the FDA’s eyes and needing of regulation. This article is not intended in anyway to position essential oils as a drug, but instead as a way to provide a natural supportive lifestyle and to share ways oils are often used. See FDA Guidelines on Aromatherapy to learn more about regulations.

Here are a few of the most common reasons that essential oils are used:

1. 
   

2. •Support improved wellness, balance and energy
   

3. •As natural protection and to enhance physical wellness,
   

4. •Soothing for physical aches, pains
   

5. •Help cuts, bruises and burns
   

6. •Refine skin and hair routines and products
   

7. •Improve skin conditions, elasticity, wrinkles, spots
   

8. •Inspire a positive emotional state
   

9. •Create tranquility to enhance sleep
   

10. •For home purification and natural cleaning
    

11. •Create deep spiritual awareness
    

How do I start using essential oils?

Starting to use essential oils is easy and it’s best to begin with the most common oils, which provide a wide range of benefits. These are Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon. In all cases, it is recommended to apply essential oils via a carrier oil using 1 teaspoon with 1-2 drops of oil, or via a diffuser.

Lavender

Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) has a distinctive floral aroma that is considered soothing, refreshing and balancing. It is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant by steam distillation. Because lavender is the most versatile of all oils, it is often recommended to be the ONE oil everyone should own and is considered safe to use with children as well.

Lavender oil can benefit the body in the following ways:

1. •Provide an environment of tranquility promoting less anxiety and emotional stress
   

2. •Creating a relaxed space to improve sleep or alleviate headaches
   

3. •Help to improve skin conditions; may reduce acne, promote youthful looking skin, ease cuts and burns
   

4. •Help to restore balance
   

5. •Ease nausea, motion sickness
   

6. •Repel bugs and soothes insect bites
   

 

Peppermint

Peppermint (mentha piperita) is an herb that was used for thousands of years in ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. It is minty in fragrance and flavor. It is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant and is a very concentrated and intense oil that should be used diluted. Peppermint oil is the second most commonly used essential oil and is highly regarded for a variety of benefits. (Cautionary note: According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, peppermint oil should never be used on children under 30 months of age or undiluted on children under 12. Check additional warnings and potential drug interactions here).

Peppermint oil can benefit your body in the following ways:

1. •Improve overall wellness
   

2. •Help to ease nausea, vomiting, gas, digestion
   

3. •Help to suppress appetite
   

4. •Create a space for better concentration, alertness, memory
   

5. •Soothe muscle aches and pain
   

6. •Create a relaxed space to relieve anxiety
   

7. •Help repel mosquitos and other bugs
   

 

Lemon

Lemon (citrus limon) essential oil contains 68% of the constituent d-limonene, which is a powerful antioxidant. It is cold-pressed from lemon rinds and has an uplifting, purifying citrus scent. Lemon oil is one of the photosensitive oils, meaning that exposure to sunlight should be limited after use. (Cautionary note: Essential oils, especially citrus and pine based oils, can be toxic to cats. See the Animal Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Safety for more information).

Lemon oil can benefit you in the following ways:

1. •Provide natural cleansing, sanitizing
   

2. •Support respiratory wellness
   

3. •Help stimulate the immune system
   

4. •Help to ease nausea, digestion
   

5. •Improve skin conditions
   

6. •Help to suppress appetite
   

7. •Help repel mosquitos and other bugs
   

 

When starting out, it is best to first try using an oil individually, then over time you will become eager to learn more about blending oils for more effectiveness and benefits.

This common allergy support blend combines three essential oils.

Lavender-Peppermint-Lemon Allergy Remedy

1. 
   

2. 1-2 drops of each oil (equal parts)
   

3. In a carrier oil (almond or coconut oil) or body lotion (preferably scentless)
   

4. Apply to the bottoms of feet, OR
   

5. Through diffuser
   

 

You can learn more about essential oils here, or feel free to contact me.

See further safety information from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy here.  

Modifications were made to acknowledge that essential oils are not drugs and to adhere to FDA definitions.

See more of my articles for FitLife.tv here.

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