Essential Oils 101

You have in all likelihood heard of essential oils but may be vague about just what they are or how they are actually used. To help you see just what they might be able to do for you here are a few basic facts about them.

Essential Oils Fundamentals

All essential oils are watery substances that contain the sheer essence of assorted flowers and plants distilled form. Even though they are given the name oils essential oils are not in any way greasy like a perfume oil is.

Essential oils should only contain the true essence of the natural flower or plant that they are derived from. They should be clear (or in some cases slightly yellow in appearance) and contain no artificial additives. All natural essential oils are usually very highly concentrated, so just a small bottle lasts for a long time.

How Do You Use Essential Oils?

The benefit a certain essential oil has to offer can often differ according to how it is used and a number of them offer a different benefit depending upon if they inhaled, applied topically or taken orally, the three basic ways in which any essential oil can be used.

Usually to derive the emotional well being benefits offered by many essential oils they need to be inhaled. On the other hand most of the physical benefits can be derived from applying the oil topically to an affected area or taking it orally in a manner similar to taking regular medication.

Often the best way to inhale an essential oil is to inhale it the old fashioned way: from a bowl of steaming hot water with a towel draped over your head. To apply it topically most people find that a gentle massaging technique reaps the best results. And for oral use taking essential oils straight can be less than pleasant so adding it to a glass of milk or water is a better way to go.

The Best Known of the Essential Oils

There are dozens of different essential oils but some are just far better known than others. Tea tree oil for example is known for its anti bacterial and anti fungal properties, properties that have even been backed up by serious scientific research. Used topically tea tree oil can help relieve all kinds of ailments and yet a few drops taken in a tea can have a very calming effect on the nerves as well.

Another essential oil that is very popular and does 'double duty is peppermint oil. Taken orally it can relieve nausea very effectively but if you inhale it it acts as an instant energy booster, waking up both a sluggish mind and a sluggish body.

Popular Essential Oils

There are dozens of different essential oils available and they all serve a slightly different purpose. Peppermint, for instance, when inhaled serves as an instant pick me up while rosemary can help you focus more clearly, great for use just before a big test.

From a physical point of view eucalyptus oil is great for helping alleviate the symptoms of all kinds of respiratory ailments while tea tree oil is a great natural weapon against nail funguses and general infections.

These are just a few of the most popular essential oils, there are many more for you to discover and taking the time to do so may be one of the best things you ever do, for both your physical and emotional health.