What Are Essential Oils and What Are They Used for?

Essential oils, also commonly known as aromatherapy oils are plant extracts, derived mainly by distilling or pressing the plant for its oils or by other methods of extraction. These oils have been used all the way back to hundreds of years ago by our ancestors. They are extremely concentrated, so concentrated that a small bottle of it can easily last you months. This is the reason why most of them are diluted either with other oils or with water. These oils form the basis of the aromatherapy industry, and are so widely used today because of its various health properties. They should not be mistaken with other artificial oils, as most aromatherapy oils are 100% natural and comes directly from the plant associated with it.

They are most commonly used directly on the skin. An allergy test is usually recommended as most of the oils are not hypoallergenic and may cause allergic reactions. This can be done by rubbing a few drops on to the skin and see if any redness or other possible reactions happen. NEVER apply undiluted aromatherapy oils directly onto your skin as it might be too strong and cause irritation or redness.

Besides the skin, aromatherapy oils are also often used for people trying to cope with depression. The most commonly used oil for this is the Cypress. It helps people suffering from depression because of its strong calming and soothing properties. If you get angry easily, the aroma from rose or lavender is excellent as it helps you feel relaxed and calm which helps in controlling your temper.

I have personally used various types of essential oils throughout my life and I can say with extreme confidence that these oils have dramatically improved my quality of life. I use them all the time for all types of purposes - curing infections, cleansing wounds, to relax after a stressful day and even as a perfume! Here are some ways which you can use them:

As a breath freshener. Just mix a few drops of the oil with a cup half filled with water and gargle. Most oils help prevent gum disease caused by bacteria by killing them as an added bonus. Pick an oil which has a scent you like though!
As a disinfectant. Tea tree oil is perfect for this. Its strong antibacterial properties help prevent further infection and kills bacteria. Simply dab some on using a cotton wool and clean the wound gently.
As a mood enhancer. Mix some lavender oil with rose oil or use it by itself if you want and use a diffuser to spread the scent out. Lavender oil is especially effective in helping you to relax and calm your mind.
To relieve headaches or dizziness. Place a few drops of peppermint oil on your fingers and rub it on your temples with slow, circular motions. These help ease the pain and gives a cooling effect.

These are only some of the many ways I use these essential oils for. They are so versatile you can use them for literally any reason - but remember to dilute them if they are already not diluted!

My personal favorite is the jojoba oil. It's basically an all-in-one oil which gives me powerful health benefits. Check it out!


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