What Are Essential Oils?
Updated by Sydney Bollinger
Move over candles, it’s time to use essential oils ! These all-natural oils have a long and storied history of improving both mental and physical health — but what are essential oils?
Think of these oils like plant “extract.” They are made by using one of two main methods: steam distillation or expression . In these processes, makers of essential oil extract the plant’s essence . Plants use these essential oils themselves, and they are also the basis for scents in many plants.
Essential oils have many health benefits and are used by a wide variety of people. They exploded in popularity as part of the movement to live a more holistic, sustainable, and natural lifestyle. Most often, they are used in aromatherapy or homemade cleaning and skincare products.
Benefits of Essential Oils
“Essential oils are an ancient tool used by civilizations around the globe for centuries. Their claims of improved well-being back then remain relevant today,” said Crystal Jordan, founder of Sixth Scents .
Jordan created Sixth Scents to better the health of her family.
“Having a son with autism and a husband with an autoimmune disorder led me to discover the true importance of living with and using real products that are harmonious with our bodies. However, this does not only apply to those who have a compromised immune system.”
Many people laud essential oils as being a more natural pathway to health. Each oil has its own health properties, including stress relief, headache ease, improved sleep, and reduced muscle pain, according to Jordan.
“These oils provide a safe way for us to unwind, destress, and maintain a clean and healthy home environment.”
Keep in mind that despite all their health benefits, you might not want to dive right into cooking with your oils . Make sure any essential oils you want to cook with are pure essential oil and are safe to be ingested!
Essential Oils and How to Use Them
With so many different essential oils to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what might work best for you. Instead of standing in the aisle of your health store looking overwhelmed, a great place to start is with some popular options .
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is one of the best known essential oils because of its relaxing properties, making it perfect for anyone who can’t shake their stress or who finds themselves tossing and turning at night.
Fill up a small spray bottle with water and add two or three drops of lavender essential oil for a calming facial spritz or nighttime pillow mist.
Clary Sage
Clary sage essential oil has a reputation for reducing stress in a big way — but it’s also a popular choice in homemade cleaning products.
Mix together one part white vinegar, one part water, and 10-20 drops of clary sage essential oil for an excellent cleaner that can be used to disinfect, deodorize, and clean mirrors and windows.
Tea Tree
Struggling with inflammation or acne? If yes, tea tree may be the essential oil that you want to try out next. Don’t just start putting the oil on your face, though! All essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil, like olive or grapeseed, or a moisturizer before putting it on your skin.
Peppermint
Peppermint may bring back memories of Santa and hot chocolate by the fire, but it’s actually a great essential oil to have on hand year-round for its healing properties. Peppermint contains menthol, a natural chemical often found in things like IcyHot and Vick’s VapoRub.
Mix the oil with a lotion or oil to alleviate aches and pains or add it to a diffuser to promote focus!
Lemon
Hardly anything smells cleaner or fresher than lemon. This essential oil (and other oils that come from citrus plants) has antifungal and antibacterial cleaning properties, so it’s a great addition to your cleaner.
Suffering from seasonal allergies? Mix lemon, lavender, and peppermint essential oils together for some relief from all of the pollen outside!
Patchouli
Patchouli is Jordan’s essential oil of choice, though it’s not necessarily a favorite for everyone. It has a distinct and powerful earthy scent and is often used in commercially produced fragrances.
A little goes a long way with this essential oil that can be used for stress relief in aromatherapy. Jordan suggests mixing it with shampoo to reduce dandruff.
