Essential oils are the extracted oil or serum from any specific species of plant. Not all plants give out essential oil and not all oils are usable or healthy for the body either. The oil is however extracted from the plant’s leaves, stems, roots, fruits and flowers.
Every essential oil is different in its own way, having different characteristics such as aroma, density or viscosity, nutrients and so on. Therefore each essential oil also functions in very different ways.
Once extracted from the plants, these essential oils are then mixed with carrier oils to make bottles of essential oils that are therapeutic in nature and widely used by aromatherapy practitioners. Some of the most well known and used essential oils are: Lavender oil, Clove oil, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint oil etc.
How do you use essential oils?
As aforementioned every essential oil is different in its own way because of their various characteristics. The factors that set them apart are:
- Color
- Processing technique
- Aroma
- Absorption capacity
- Viscosity
- Texture
The world of essential oils is big and it might come as a surprise to see just how many kinds of oils are available in the market. Some essential oils are just used for the essence, some are used by inhaling and some are directly applied onto the skin. But essential oils are also not only about using on the body. They can be used for various odd jobs around the house too.
Listed below are some of the most popularly used essential oils and how they are put to use:
- Lavender oil: Lavender oil is often hailed as the most versatile oil and many often believe that you only need this one essential oil in your shelf. The lavender oil can be used as a calmer, by rubbing a few drops of it on temples, feet or wrists. It can also be used to inhale to induce sleeping. Its flavor and aroma are said to make one drowsy. It can also be used on minor cuts and injuries and burns as well. It can treat cold sores, chapped lips and motion sickness too.
- Clove oil: Cloves are basically spices that were produced in East Asia and then exported to foreign lands. Although originally used for adding aroma and spice to dishes, its medicinal values are undeniable. Clove oil is particularly great for your dental hygiene. It can be applied to your teeth to fix sore gums, bad breath, toothaches and so on. Using it regularly will also prevent any ailments as far as your dental hygiene is concerned. Because of its strong essence toothpastes often contain clove in them. You can also use clove oil for gargling too. Clove oil can also be consumed for stronger immunity, to kill germs and bacteria and to fight cold sores. Its strong and warm taste acts as an excellent repellent to bacteria. Clove oil can also be used in terms of indigestion, to ease headaches, grow healthy glossy hair and even ease stress.
- Lemon oil: Lemons as we all know are rich in Vitamin C. Lemon oil can be consumed to help with morning sickness or nauseas, improve stomach conditions by facilitating digestion, promotes weight loss and can be used to fix clogged chests and cold sores as well. The biggest benefit offered by lemon oil is it works as an anti-tumor agent. It has been significantly noticed that women who tend to consume lemon oil are less likely to suffer from breast cancer. Lemon oil can also be used for prolific tasks around the home such as; disinfectants, in laundry, as wood polish, face wash, teeth whitener and so on. Lemon oil probably offers most benefits than any other essential oil does.
- Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is basically popular in terms of skin and healthcare only. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as copper, iodine and chromium. The best part about jojoba is that it is unproblematic, it suits all skin types whether oily, dry or normal. They are non-sticky, odorless and have a naturally calming effect on your skin. First and foremost the jojoba oil moisturizes your skin. Since it is a watery and non-sticky it is quickly absorbed by the skin thus ensuring all day protection. With prolonged usage jojoba oil is known to cure stubborn acne, wrinkles and any signs of aging. It can also remove or lessen dark circles visibly if used periodically. The oil can be used to soften chapped lips, act as a healer in case of skin-inflammation and can be used to soothe skin after razor burns as well. Also jojoba oil is not only beneficial in terms of skincare but it also nourishes and nurtures your hair. Jojoba oil can be used to treat dandruff, add moisture to dry hair and bring back its glow, cleanse scalp, condition your hair and even facilitate hair growth. Jojoba essential oil is a blessing for women all over the world.
How to use essential oils on skin?
As we know by now essential oils can be used in numerous ways. But in aromatherapy essential oils are mostly always rubbed on the body. Once they have been diluted with carrier oil they are applied to body areas that are deemed tense or require massages. These essential oils have a soothing and calming effect on your body helping you and your sore muscles relax.
Essential oils like lavender oil, jojoba oil and tea tree oil are also applied to skin but for various purposes. Sometimes to the head, temples or feet to relieve tension or sometimes to the chest area to fix cold sores and offer relive and sometimes just as a moisturizer for your body. Essential oils work in very many different ways and are very versatile. Therefore it is no surprise they are kind of costly. How else would you get so many benefits stacked into only one tiny bottle?
