Essential oils seem to be everywhere these days. You’ll find them promoted as ingredients in everything from beauty creams to floor cleaners. But, what ARE essential oils and what can they do for you?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, derived from trees, herbs, flowers and shrubs. Most are steam-distilled or cold pressed, with the essence winding up in small bottles. The liquid is extremely concentrated – and, in high quality essential oils, a single dose is only one or two drops.
Hundreds of years ago, the mystic healer Hildegard of Bingen created plant-based healing remedies for supporting the mind, body, emotions and spirit. These recipes were so popular they remain in print today. While it’s not appropriate to make specific medical claims about any natural product without conducting research and clinical trials – someone who is curious and aware can experiment with essential oils to discover the benefits.
Aromas play an important role in our mood, or the way we feel. This is because our sense of smell is linked to the part of our brain that regulates emotions and memory. And, aromas trigger memories – the smell of cookies baking in the oven could bring back fond memories of a parent or grandparent, or the aroma of copal or frankincense might remind you of being in church. Because of the emotional connection to our sense of smell, aromas can have a powerful effect our well-being.
The way we react to the smell of something is personal to each of us – so experiment and see which kinds of aromas you are drawn to. Here is some basic guidance:
Citrus – Tangerine, lime and other citrus oils can be emotionally uplifting. They help your living space seem fresh and clean.
Floral scents like lavender, rose and geranium inspire romance and harmony
Conifers – like spruce, pine and rosemary inspire a relaxing feeling of being in nature
How to use
Diffuse: A few drops with water in a cold-air diffuser.
Inhale: Hold the bottle a few inches from your nose – and breathe in the aroma
Wear: A drop on your wrist instead of perfume, or, even a couple of drops on the bottoms of your feet.
Soak: Add 10 drops of oil to a cup of unscented Epsom salt for a relaxing bath.
Here are some of the ways I use essential oils: I always keep a bottle of peppermint nearby – smelling the fresh mint aroma helps to clear my head when things get hectic. Two drops of lemon oil on the bottom of my feet smooths out any rough spots, especially heels. Brushing a drop of floral oil like lavender or ylang ylang on my pillow case puts me in the mood for rest. Brushing rosemary over arms and legs helps to have a less-annoying outdoor experience.
Once you have some essential oils, you’ll discover different ways to use them. I’m always looking for the essential oil alternative for everything from soothing scrapes to easing nerves and keeping unwanted pests from coming around.
Choose your brand wisely
Because these products are so concentrated, you want to make sure you are using a reputable source. Quality levels vary from brand to brand. When plants are sprayed with pesticides, or grown in oil with chemical fertilizers, these ingredients are distilled down into the essential oil. In addition, many brands dilute their product with chemical solvents or synthetic fillers – just the stuff you are trying to avoid by choosing what you think are natural products!
Note: some oils, such as oregano or eucalyptus are ‘hot’ oils, and can burn when applied directly to skin. To apply safely, these oils should be blended with a small amount of carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil or an unscented massage oil. It’s best to start using essential oils on less-sensitive parts of your body, like bottoms of feet.
Are you ready to explore? Learn more on my website – AromaThrive.com. Read about more benefits I have discovered on my essential oils experience, and contact me if you would like help ordering the brand I use and recommend.
Lisa Osborn is a radio broadcaster and voice over talent who discovered the benefits of essential oils when working erratic hours on-air in Los Angeles. She represents a line of premier essential oils and eo-infused personal care and household products and wellness products, which you can learn more about at AromaThrive.com
This story originally appeared in fyi50+ premier lifestyle magazine for the 50+ generation