Essential oils are distilled from plant roots, bark, stems, leaves, flowers or fruit. It can take up to several pounds of plant material to produce one bottle.
Oils contain aromatic compounds that are absorbed through the nose and skin. Some (esters) relax, balance, soothe and promote sleep; phenols have anti-fungal properties; and sesquiterpenes have expectorant and antiviral properties.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils have been getting a lot of buzz for their potential health benefits. But you should always use caution and follow directions when applying these concentrated plant-based oils. For example, if you apply essential oil directly to your skin, you should first dilute it with a carrier oil or dispersant, like jojoba oil or unscented lotion. This helps protect your skin and avoid an allergic reaction. If you do get a skin allergy or other adverse reaction, call your healthcare professional right away.
Inhaling the scent of an essential oil stimulates the olfactory system and can help decongest and clear your sinuses or help you sleep better at night. It can also help decrease stress and anxiety, or simply lift your mood with a calming aroma. It’s a great option to add to your list of self-care techniques, such as putting a few drops of lavender or chamomile on a pillow or in a diffuser before bed.
Cooking
Essential oils are distilled or mechanically extracted from the seeds, bark, flowers, leaves, roots, fruit or other parts of the plant to capture their fragrance. They can also have therapeutic properties, according to research. They are used in perfumes, soaps, incense, plastic resins and other products. They can help to flavor food and act as natural pesticides.
The scent of certain oils can stimulate your memory or calm you down. The odor molecules travel from the nose to the brain, impacting the amygdala, and affect mood and emotion. When inhaled, the oil’s scent can also disperse throughout your home or office, leaving behind a pleasant aroma.
Many essential oils are considered edible, and some are even safe to ingest as seasoning or in beverages. But always start with a small amount and check the label for warnings and directions. Adding too much of an oil to your food or drink could cause a bad reaction.
Cleaning
Essential oils can help cleanse your body and home. They contain natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, which make them great for replacing chemical-laden cleaning products.
They can also be used as natural air fresheners by applying them to a piece of fabric or adding them to your diffuser. Then, the scent will circulate throughout your home.
Inhaling an essential oil’s fragrance can help improve mental clarity and mood, as well as relax tight muscles. Just be sure to use a safe method for difusing essential oils. For example, a few drops of diluted peppermint oil on a washcloth can be placed under your nose to inhale.
Choosing quality oils is important because not all essential oils are created equal. Some brands use synthetic ingredients instead of the plant compounds responsible for the health effects they claim to have. That’s why we only carry doTERRA’s Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® (CPTG) essential oils. Their rigorous testing and production processes ensure the highest quality oils for your health.
Personal Care
Self-care is more than just a day at the spa. Essential oils can help elevate moods, promote relaxation and bring on feelings of peace.
Some people use essential oils topically on their skin, but they must be diluted first with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil to avoid skin irritation. A few drops of essential oil can also be added to a bath.
Other people take essential oils orally in the form of teas or as supplements. Peppermint oil, for example, has been shown to ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
When shopping for essential oils, look for therapeutic-grade options that are chemical free and extracted through distillation or mechanical cold pressing. This ensures that the oils will retain their highest potency and purity. Always read labels and follow instructions carefully. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so less is more. Be sure to start with the smallest recommended amount and work your way up.
