For thousands of years, essential oils have been used as natural remedies for a range of ailments and conditions. From everyday things like cleaning and repelling bugs to more serious issues such as anxiety, hypertension and insomnia. The main benefit of essential oils is that they’re natural and therefore safe to use without side effects. In fact, a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that essential oils are up to 1,000 times more effective than conventional treatments at the same dosage. They’re also much less expensive than prescription drugs and many can be made at home using simple ingredients found in your kitchen cupboards. If you’re wondering which essential oils to use for which health issues, this guide will answer some common questions about these magical liquids.
Essential oils are organic compounds found in plants, usually flowers or herbs. They’re concentrated extracts of the plant’s leaves, roots, fruits and flowers, and are often used to make perfume.Some essential oils are produced by distilling the plant matter in water, others by extracting the liquid through CO2. Some plants, such as lavender, produce more than one type of essential oil, and others, like cinnamon and orange, contain more than one kind of oil.While essential oils are safe for humans when used responsibly, it’s important to note that they should never be used to treat serious illnesses. They can be toxic if ingested in large quantities, and even small amounts can affect your mood.
The most common way to use essential oils is to add a few drops to a bowl of water and place a cotton ball or swab in the bowl. Run the cotton ball or swab through the water, then apply the solution to your skin. You can also mix essential oils with carrier oils or lotions. You can also add a few drops directly to your bathwater, or place a few drops on a towel and place it in the bathroom. Some people even add a few drops to their bedsheets to help repel bedbugs.Another way to use essential oils is to add a few drops directly to your food or drink. You can mix a drop or two with honey, syrup, or fruit juice. You can also add a few drops to a bowl of ice water and use it to cool your food or drink.
There are many ways to use essential oils for mental health issues. Here are a few examples:- Calming oils - If you suffer from anxiety or stress, you may benefit from using calming oils such as lavender or chamomile. You can dilute these oils in a bowl of water, apply them to your wrists, or place a few drops on a cotton ball and place it in a bowl of water.- Sleep aid oils - If insomnia is keeping you from getting enough rest, you can use sleep aid oils like lavender or chamomile to help you relax and fall asleep faster. Again, you can dilute these oils in a bowl of water or apply them to your wrists.- Anxiety-busting oils - If you suffer from anxiety, you may benefit from using anxiety-busting oils such as peppermint or lemon. Dilute these oils in a bowl of water or apply them to your wrists.
There are many ways to use essential oils for skin issues. Here are a few examples:- Bug-repelling oil - Bug-repelling oils like citronella or lemongrass are great for repelling mosquitoes and other bugs. You can mix these oils with a carrier oil, apply them to your skin, or place a few drops in a bowl of water and place a cotton ball in the water. - Antiseptic oil - Antiseptic oils can be helpful for treating wounds and cuts, as well as preventing infections. You can mix these oils with a carrier oil and apply them to the affected area, or apply them to the wound with a cotton ball.
There are many ways to use essential oils for digestion issues. Here are a few examples:- Digging-up oil - If you want to clear out your digestion issues and help your body to process food better, you can mix a few drops of chamomile or peppermint oil in a bowl of water and drink it. You can also add a drop or two to a small bowl of apple cider vinegar and use it as a gargle.- Gassy-up oil - If you have issues with constipation or gas, you can use gassy-up oils like fennel and peppermint to help your digestion and stomach muscles work better. Mix these oils with a carrier oil and apply them to your stomach, or place a few drops in a bowl of water and place a cotton ball in the water. - Spice-up oil - If you have issues with bloating or cramps, you can mix a few drops of cinnamon oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your stomach. You can also add a few drops to a bowl of water and place a cotton ball in the water.
There are many ways to use essential oils for pain relief, including using them in a bath, making a tincture, or applying them as a massage oil. Here are a few examples:- Pain-relief oil - You can make a pain-relief oil by combining eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil. You can also use essential oils like lavender or peppermint to relieve pain. You can mix the essential oils with a carrier oil and apply them to the affected area, or place a few drops of essential oil in a bowl of water and use a cotton ball to apply it to the skin.
With so many uses, essential oils are a must-have in any home. They’re incredibly versatile, and can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you want to clean your house, relax, or treat your skin, essential oils are the perfect solution.