Have you ever seen a new fad come about and think, "Oh boy. Here we go. That won't stay around very long. What a waste!" I think we all have. However, you officially cannot say that about essential oils. They are here to stay! Of course, these oils have been around for centuries, but there has been a definite trend in these little suckers over the last few years. Not sure if there are any actual health benefits? Lost on where to start? Wanting to try it, but not sure it is worth it? This post is for you!
ESSENTIAL WHAT?
If you have no idea what I'm talking about in the first place, let me help you out. Essential oils are an extracted smell or flavor from a plant or seed through the process of distillation methods (such as cold-pressing). Once the aromatic compounds are separated, they are paired with a a carrier oil to bring about the product we all use.
HEALTH BOOST
There are many ways that essential oils are beneficial to your health. Using them in aromatherapy (i.e. diffusing them into your home) and inhaling them have a few benefits that I would like to share here:
Inhaling the aromas of essential oils helps to stimulate your limbic system, which is the part of your brain dealing with emotions, long-term memory, sense of smell, and behaviors. This is why certain smells can trigger memories! The limbic system also aids in unconscious psychological functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure (healthline.com). Be sure to check that your oils are organic and not chemically processed.
*Note: some essential oils can be diluted and rubbed directly onto the skin and SHOULD NOT be ingested unless they are in pill form.
Let's talk types:
- Eucalyptus Oil: helps with allergies and flu, clears nasal and chest congestion, sinuses and asthma, immune booster, natural pesticide, anti-inflammatory
-Peppermint Oil: keeps you awake, helps with upset stomach and IBS, and can increase alertness by 30%, according to this study, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, helps with headaches, improves concentration and memory
-Tea Tree Oil: fights infections (fungal and bacterial), boosts immunity, helps with athlete's foot and dandruff, antiviral, treats acne
-Lavender Oil: reduces stress, helps with sleep, and even found to help with menstrual cramps when used in massage, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anesthetic, antibacterial
-Lemon Oil: boosts mood, has antidepressant qualities, aids in digestion, skin-repairing (reduces wrinkles, tones skin, promotes circulation), anti-inflammatory
-Rosemary Oil- stimulant that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, boosts immune system, increases brain wave activity, stimulates part of nervous system that aids in organ function, decreases the stress hormone (cortisol)
-Ylang Ylang Oil- used to treat nausea, skin conditions, and headaches
-Sandalwood Oil- calms nerves and helps with focus
-Chamomile Oil- improves mood, relaxation, helps with blemishes, acne, and inflammation
Helpful Tips:
-Mix rosemary and eucalyptus for a wonderful, forest-y smell
-Eucalyptus in the pantry or closet is a natural moth and bug repellent
-Tea Tree oil works best in 5% concentration (14 drops per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil) -> use it in DIY beauty projects!
-Spritz a lavender mist or use a drop of the oil right on your pillow to help you fall asleep and stay asleep
-Search Pinterest for essential oil recipes and blends!
WHERE TO START
Well, you've done a great job by just reading this post! Do your research. Find which oils you need most. Start with just a few and add to your oil collection as you can. Grab a diffuser and away we go! (recommendations below)
WHAT'S IT WORTH?
As I've already mentioned, essential oils have numerous health benefits. But a great thing about this fantastic trend is that it's NATURAL (if you buy organically). I try to be a person who doesn't take medicine as soon as I feel a little pain. I want something natural and good for my body. So essential oils are a great way to help with that. Not only that, but it allows your house to be flowing in healthy aromas that boost your mood, lower your stress, and aid in making you feel better. Win, win!
Of course, you could spend a lot of money on diffusers, but below I have listed some cost-effective options. I bought my diffuser at TJMaxx and LOVE IT! (click pictures for direct link to product)
1.) The PureSpa Oil Diffuser - $39.99
-This is the exact one I have; it's stylish and useful! I love the touch-start feature. It also has an LED color-changing glow to it which is very cool, but you can also touch it again and it diffuses without the lights. It also has auto shut-off when the tank is empty. Simple to use and easy to clean!
2.) ArtNaturals Aromatherapy Diffuser - $25.95
-This has 7 colors to cycle through, or choose your favorite. It also has 1, 3 , and 6 hour timer settings or auto shut-off when empty. Great as a nightlight for kids, too!
3.) AromaAllure Waterless Portable Mini Oil Diffuser- $21.99
-This is a waterless diffuser that uses a fan to diffuse the oil. It's also portable! This battery-powered machine is great for the car, office, or closet!
NOW HOW ABOUT THOSE OILS?
1.) Plant Therapy Organic Essential Oils 6-pack- $29.95
2.) USDA Certified Organic Essential Oils- $18.97
