Getting Into Essential Oil?

Essential oils have been getting a lot of buzz recently for helping with everything from headaches to sleep to sore throats. Do these concentrated plant-based oils work? Essential oils can make a positive impact on your health and well-being if you use them in a safe way. What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are basically plant extracts. In addition to creating scent, essential oils perform other functions in plants, too. What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. A massage therapist might add a drop or two of wintergreen to oil to help relax tight muscles during a rubdown. What Are Essential Oils Good For?

Although people claim essential oils are natural remedies for several ailments, there's not enough research to determine their effectiveness in human health. Clinical trials have looked at whether essential oils can alleviate conditions such as: Anxiety, Depression, Nausea, Insomnia, Low Appetite, Dry Mouth. How Can You Use Essential Oils Safely?

The quality of essential oils on the market varies greatly, from pure essential oils to those diluted with less expensive ingredients. The safest ways to use essential oils include Aromatherapy accessories: Necklaces, bracelets and keychains made with absorbent materials you apply essential oils to and sniff throughout the day. Body oil: A mixture of essential oils with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba or coconut oil that can be massaged into skin.

Figuring out which oils are the best?

It is challenging, since there's no government agency in the U.S. that provides a grading system or certification for essential oils. Choose dark-colored, glass containers: Pure essential oils are highly concentrated. Avoid "Fragrance oils": Fragrance or perfume oils are made from essential oils combined with chemicals or entirely from chemicals. Compare prices: Essential oils range in price, depending on how involved harvesting and production are. Within a line, there should be a wide variety of prices - rose absolute or sandalwood oils will be more expensive, while sweet orange oil will be on the less expensive end.

Citation:

Aromatherapy: Do essential oils really work? Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and- prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work.