Introduction to Essential Oils for beginners
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained through resin tapping, cold pressing, or steam distillation. It is harvested from farm-grown and wildcrafted plants, and as a result, it produces pure essential oils that are more powerful than botanicals. This article will provide basic info for an introduction to essential oils.
Essential oil quality is the most important factor you need to consider before making your first purchase. You might see an essential oil labeled therapeutic grade but in reality, all purely extracted oil is therapeutic grade. There is no independent classification body to inspect and give certification. However, most companies such as Young Living and Doterra have their own internal inspection body.
According to Merriam-Webster, essential oils are any of a class of volatile oils that give plants their characteristic odors and are used especially in perfumes, flavorings, and aromatherapy.
There has been clinical research and Scientists understood that essential oils work by sending chemical messages to the limbic system that sits the emotion and mood. The chemistry of essential oil is very complex and may consist of different chemical compounds. It is aromatic and beneficial if you use them the right way.
Plant Origins Essential Oil
Essential oils come mainly from seeds and leaves and in addition, there are some that come from various species of flowers, fruits, or trees. For the purpose of harvesting and extracting, these plants are naturally grown in a farm.
As discussed in MedicalNewsToday, there are a number of plants that have been proven beneficial for daily use. Popular essential oils such as Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Peppermint, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Lemon, and Orange have been used widely as well in beauty products.
Essential oils are beneficial for a few common health conditions. For example, Sore muscles, anxiety, and headaches are one of those common issues that actually could be managed by essential oils.
Disclaimer
- Our content does not constitute a medical consultation. If you have a medical problem you should seek advice from a doctor and other health care professionals.
- There may be links to products and services recommended on here that are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you.
How to Use Essential Oil Without Diffuser.
In actuality, the application follows three different models: English, French, and German.
English – The English model will require a large amount of dilution with vegetable oils in order to use it for massage, relaxation, and relief of stress.
French – The French method is by topical (undiluted) application and ingestion of pure essential oils. Ingesting is usually by adding few drops to honey or a piece of bread. Many practitioners found that ingestion yields excellent results. (Please consult certified Aromatherapist before ingesting)
German – The German method is the true aromatherapy where it is by inhalation of essential oils. Research has shown that the effect of fragrance can exert strong effects on the brain at the hypothalamus and limbic system (emotions). Hypothalamus is the hormone command center of the body. Clinical research found out that sandalwood and cedarwood are able to increase oxygenation and brain activity.
All these three models show the flexibility of essential oils. One may obtain best possible result by integrating and balancing all three methods.
Fragrance Oil vs Essential Oil
Fragrance oil although may have the same scent like Lavender, it is lacking in its therapeutic benefits. Furthermore is synthetically produced in a lab whereas essential oils are steam distilled in stainless steel cooking chambers at low temperatures. Fragrance oils are made specifically for perfuming purposes. Perfumes composed of natural elements too such as resin, extracts, and essential oils.
Moreover, essential oils have medicinal properties such as anti-fungal and anti-bacterial that are not present in a fragrance. Opting for essential oil may seem to be a more pricey decision but considering the therapeutic benefits and fragrance the user will receive. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
The advantage of essential oil above fragrance oil is that essential oils are used widely in massage therapy as well. Certain oils like marjoram good for muscle pain, lemongrass for tendons, and wintermelon for bone.
These are the must-have starter oils in your collections. Personally, I love using Lavender. This is one oil solution for all that helps in insect bites too!
Best Company for Essential Oils
There are many brands out there. Therefore, which one to choose? Or where do I even get these oils?
Let me tell you a secret. Store-bought essential oils are not as high quality as they claimed. As an avid user of Young Living Essential Oil for the past few years, I knew this is the safest brand to use. They have their own therapeutic grade certification and they also have their own farm worldwide according to the plant’s climate suitability. Do checkout Doterra as well as they are a direct competitor of Young Living and they also have their own farm globally.
Consider also your budget and the values it will bring to your health, home and family. Below are some of the oils sold on Amazon if you would like to try them. However, I suggest for you to own a starter kit from Young Living as this will enable you to be a member and in the future being able to obtain the oils way at a lower price than retail. When you are a member, you can also start a side gig by selling and sharing the benefits of the oils.
You can drop me an email if you would like to know more or to own one. I am more than happy to get you started on this oiling journey of yours.
To learn more about the Young Living Essential Oil brand, you can click here. It is interesting to read all about their Seed to Seal guarantee. Do you know that you can mix the oils? Check out the recipes here.
If you would like to get creative, why not check this how-to make gifts for essential oil lovers.
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