Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils

Introduction

Essential oils are fragrant, concentrated compounds from plants that specifically embody the smell and taste of the raw plant. They are prepared from flowers, leaves, stem, root, bark, resins, peel, and other components of plants. It is important to note that essential oils have been used for at least 3 millennia and for health and beauty, as well as emotional and spiritual benefits. This is a basic guide where all the basic information people need so as to start using essential oils is provided.

What Are Essential Oils?

Contrary to their name, essential oils are not a type of oil; they are a concentrated source of the healing compounds found in plants. They are unstable, organic substances having strong odours that are derived from plants by means of steam distillation. What it does is to isolate the aromatic compounds of the plant materials from the rest of the materials and what is gotten is a liquid solution containing the aroma, flavor, and other properties of the plant. Such are lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon and frankincense.

How are Essential Oils applied?:

There are three main ways to use essential oils:There are three main ways to use essential oils:

1. Aromatherapy: Oils can be ingested or taken in directly through the nasal cavity or by rubbing on the skin or clothes. The feeling of the oils on the skin activates touch receptors in the skin and the scent of the oils promotes the smell receptors in the nose to send signals to the limbic system which is involved in the processing of emotions.
2. Topical Use: Skin is known to be among the most effective means through which essential oils are absorbed without delay. They can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin by massaging , used in the baths or in making the compress. It is important never to apply oil on the skin without dilution because it can really affect your skin.
3. Internal Use: There are some oils that can be taken internally, but this applies to very small measures and only if the oils are substances that have been approved for use as food by the Food and Drug Administration. Ingestion: Never use aromatherapy oils internally – always consult with a qualified aromatherapist first.

Choosing High Quality Oils

As the demand for essential oils has increased over the years, there is high chances of getting fake and poor quality oils in the market. In order to get the most out of your essential oils, you should only buy oils that are sourced from high-quality organic material and where the farming, distillation, and other relevant processes are not concealed. Do not use oils that contain ‘fragrance’ as one of the components of the list on the product. Key signs of quality oils include:Key signs of quality oils include:

• No added chemicals or scents on the label: known as pure, therapeutic grade or medicinal grade.
• Bottles prevent oils from the sun’s rays by having black or dark-colored glass and droppers on the cap.
• The concept of no fillers, bases, or additives is maintained
• GC/MS test results for a certain batch of foods are obtainable.

The process of proper storage of essential oils

Essential oils are concentrated and volatile substances that can easily oxidize if they are not stored under optimal conditions. Follow these storage tips:

• Store bottles with poplar wood caps down and ensure the bottles are tightly closed so as to reduce on oxidation.
• Keep in dark glass containers to avoid exposure to light especially in intense light sources such as sunlight.
• Avoid exposure to ordinary heat, humidity or other extreme temperatures
• Do not expose to synthetic fragrance, strong acids or alkalis, and pesticides.
• Specific shelf life depends on the type of oil used but most of them expire after one to two years when stored correctly.

Measurements that need to be taken when using essential oils

Essential oils are very concentrated plant extracts and should be used with care:Essential oils are very concentrated plant extracts and should be used with care:

• Use skin test initially to see the adverse effects before fully implementing the use of DPP-4.
• Do not use in case of children and petsitter presence
• Never apply the oils directly on the skin but rather mix it with water or any liquid before applying.
• It is recommended that the client should not expose themselves to the sun after applying oils externally.
• Be alert to warnings regarding oils that one should not use on children or pregnant women
• It is strongly advised not to consume essential oils unless you have consulted with a certified aromatherapist.

Beginner’s Guide to Usage of Some of the Most Common Essential Oils

Here is an introduction to the most popular essential oils for beginners:Here is an introduction to the most popular essential oils for beginners:

• Lavender: As a lotion, it relieves skin rash and itchiness; helps in stress and anxiety; supports sleep.
• Tea Tree: Skin anti-septic used in skin infections, an immunostimulant and an acne medication.
• Peppermint: Helps in opening sinuses, clearing headaches, enhancing attention and mental acuity
• Eucalyptus: This medication can be used for the relief of congestion during colds and allergies, and also helps in the reduction of cough and asthmatic symptoms.
• Lemon: It has mood elevating effects, produces positive impact on digestion, cleanses our body, kills germs on surfaces and in the air.
• Frankincense: Fight inflammation, increases immunity, reduces anxiety, prevents the aging skin
• Rosemary: Helps in memory and concentration, promotes hair growth, and relieves muscle pain

Conclusion

Essential oils as a component can be used to enhance overall health, beauty, cleaning, and mood through the benefits of plant life. As you can see, there is an abundance of products that people can use every day, and essential oils can be recognized as the perfect starting point for everyone who wants to discover more about the unique potential that plants have. As long as you only use the best therapeutic-grade oils and avoid cross-contaminating them with other substances, it’s completely safe. Enjoy discovering more about the wonderful uses and applications of essential oils.