It's no secret that essential oils have grown in popularity over the most recent years. They gain praise for their aromatic qualities and therapeutic benefits. If you're curious about how to use them, or simply want to learn a bit more about what they are and how we use them in our family, this essential oils introductory will walk you through all of that and more.
What Are Essential Oils?
To put it simply, essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture both the natural fragrance and beneficial properties of plants. Depending on the quality and extraction process, they can be utilized for therapeutic effects.
These therapeutic effects may include promoting relaxation, improving mood, alleviating stress, and much more. Many even have antimicrobial and deodorizing effects as well. Each oil has one or more of it's own "super powers." That's how we like to look at it, anyways.
The various parts of the plants that the concentrated extracts derive from includes leaves, flowers, bark, stems, and roots. These oils capture the plant's scent and flavor, known as its "essence." The variety of purposes for each oil is significant, from personal care to household cleaning and wellness support.
How Are Essential Oils Made?
Essential oils are typically extracted through processes like:
- Steam Distillation: The most common method, where steam is passed through plant material to release the oils, which are then condensed and collected.
- Cold Pressing: Often used for citrus fruits, this method involves mechanically pressing the peels to release oils.
- Solvent Extraction: Used for delicate flowers, where a solvent is applied to extract the oils, then removed to leave behind the concentrated essence.
How to Use Essential Oils
Aromatherapy
One of the most popular uses of essential oils is in aromatherapy, where scents are inhaled to promote physical and emotional well-being. Diffusers, inhalers, and even topical applications can deliver the benefits of essential oils.
Instead of using artificially (or even essential oil scented) candles, there are many benefits to diffusing essential oils instead. Burning essential oils, such as in candles, can cause a toxic atmosphere due the heat of flame causing it to get too hot and also neutralizes the aromatic benefits available by simply inhaling and/or diffusing.
Our favorite thing to do is burn a non-scented beeswax candle with an organic cotton or wood wick while diffusing what scents we are currently enjoying.
Skincare
Many essential oils have beneficial properties for the skin. For instance, tea tree oil can help with acne, while lavender can soothe irritation. Remember to always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) before applying them to your skin.
Household Cleaning
Essential oils can be effective natural cleaners. Oils like lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree have antibacterial properties, making them great additions to homemade cleaning products.
This is one of our best kept "secrets" to keeping our household sick-free in during the cold and flu seasons.
Wellness Support
Some essential oils may support various aspects of health. For example, peppermint can aid digestion, while eucalyptus may help with respiratory issues. Always consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils for medicinal purposes.
Are essential oils safe?
When used correctly and handled with care, absolutely. Some safety considerations include dilution for preventing irritation, quality to avoid additives or contaminants, and sensitivity for some who might have allergies or delicate skin.
Ingesting should be heavily researched and most likely avoided (Plant Therapy recommends not ingesting any essential oils due to potency and strength of correctly extracted essential oils. Caution should be exercised when using with pets, children/babies, and pregnant women.
Always research diligently any specific brands and oils before you use them! If you're unsure, consult a healthcare professional who is well versed in essential oil usage.
- Dilution: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.
- Patch Test: Conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions.
- Consultation: Consult a healthcare professional if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have underlying health conditions.
- Quality Matters: Choose high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources to ensure safety and efficacy.
Are there any essential oils that should be avoided?
Some warrant more caution than others, depending on the circumstances. The best way to be knowledgeable on what oils to be more cautious of would be to purchase a home copy of an essential oil "bible" to keep on hand which will tell you what oil to use for what, and what you should avoid and when. These types of books can be very helpful in a household when needed.
Essential Oils to Use with Caution
- Tea Tree Oil: While it's popular for its antiseptic properties, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Dilution is crucial.
- Oregano Oil: Very potent and can cause skin irritation. It should always be diluted and used sparingly.
- Cinnamon Oil: Known for its warm, spicy scent, it can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes (careful to avoid inhaling directly). Use with caution and always dilute.
- Clove Oil: Can cause skin irritation and is often too strong for topical use. Dilution is necessary.
- Peppermint Oil: While beneficial for headaches and digestive issues, it can be irritating to sensitive skin and should not be used on young children.
- Eucalyptus Oil: Can cause respiratory issues in young children and should be avoided in cases of asthma. Use cautiously around kids.
Essential Oils to Avoid
- Wintergreen Oil: Contains methyl salicylate, which can be toxic in high amounts. Avoid using it in large quantities, especially around children.
- Sage Oil: Contains thujone, which can be neurotoxic in high doses. Use with caution and avoid during pregnancy.
- Basil Oil: While it has culinary uses, it can be irritating to the skin and should be used carefully.
- Fennel Oil: Can be toxic in high doses and should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Birch Oil: Similar to wintergreen, it contains methyl salicylate and should be used with extreme caution.
General Precautions
- Dilution: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
- Patch Test: Conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any reactions.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re pregnant, nursing, have underlying health conditions, or are using oils on children, consult a healthcare provider first.
How can I ensure the oils I am using are high-quality?
Look at the details. You want to be sure the company you're purchasing from is reputable and using appropriate cultivation methods. They should be pure and include labels like organic and/or therapeutic grade. They should also not include synthetic additives or fillers. They should also be tested by third parties (like GC/MS analysis) to verify quality. Storage in dark amber glass bottles protects them from light which can diminish quality (consider hot Amazon warehouses and trucks without regulated temps that have been stored for unknown lengths of time, too). Price doesn't have to be the highest to get quality, but be wary of extremely low priced oils, like those typically found in a grocery store.
How should I store my essential oils?
Dark. Glass. Bottles. Amber or cobalt blue glass bottles protect essential oils from light which can lessen the lifespan of them. They should also be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A home at a comfortable temperature (around 60-70°F) is perfect. Bottles should be tightly sealed to prevent oxidation and evaporation. Humid environments should be avoided, like bathrooms, as moisture can effect quality. Keeping them in a dedicated box or shelf will keep oils organized and easily accessible.
Can they be mixed to create blends?
Essential oils can be mixed to create brilliant blends. But, it's important to consider a few guidelines that include compatibility, dilution, proportions, and therapeutic/topical benefits.
One of the funnest ways to use essential oils is in pre-mixed or homemade blends! A current favorite in our household is a mixture of Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, and Myrrh which is soothing, relaxing, and counteracts depression and anxiety. We can't get enough of it!
How long do essential oils last?
Depending on the type and how they're stored, essential oils can last anywhere from 1-7 years.
- Citrus Oils: 1-2 years
- Herb Oils: 2-3 years
- Wood Oils: 4-5 years
- Resin Oils: 4-7 years
- Spice Oils: 2-3 years
You may check for changes in scent or appearance, which may indicate that an oil has gone past it's ideal shelf life.
Our Favorite Essential Oils
- Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender is great for stress relief and promoting sleep. It's also extremely necessary for any burn wounds that happen commonly for household cooks.
- Peppermint: Often used for headaches and digestive issues, it also provides a refreshing scent. It also comes very in handy for any nasuea by simply inhaling during care rides, airplane trips, and during pregnancy.
- Tea Tree: Renowned for its antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is often used in skincare. It can fight against yeast and much more.
- Eucalyptus: Commonly used to ease respiratory issues and as a natural decongestant. Use much caution with children.
- Lemon: A bright, uplifting scent that can enhance mood and purify the air. It can also clean off any label/sticker off surfaces with much ease. A big bottle is necessary in our home!
Where to Purchase
Essential oils offer a world of possibilities, from enhancing your home’s ambiance to supporting your wellness journey. As you explore the benefits and uses of these powerful plant extracts, remember to prioritize safety and quality. Whether you're looking to relieve stress, boost your mood, or create a natural cleaning solution, essential oils can be a wonderful addition to your lifestyle.
Here at Nourished Market, we source Plant Therapy's organic line to provide both our local community and beyond with pickup and shipping options. Non-members are welcome to order anything from our Wellness & Supplement line, which includes Earthley herbal supplements. We ship Monday-Thursday within 24 hours and first thing Monday if an order is placed between Friday-Sunday.
We hope you've learned a lot in this article, please feel free to post questions in the comments, we'd love to answer them for you! Happy shopping!