Benefits of Essential Oils

Understanding the Many Benefits of Essential Oils

When it comes to the benefits of essential oils lets first start with a quick recap on what essential oils are. In essence (excuse the pun); essential oils are very concentrated forms of plant extracts. People make essential oils using several extraction methods. You can draw the oils from different parts of each plant. For example, people make rose essential oil by pressing the petals of the rose flower and harvesting the natural oils contained within the flower. The extraction process in and of itself is an art form or science; but the main takeaway is that essential oils are concentrated plant extracts made through a pretty complicated extraction process.

Why should I care about the Benefits of Essential Oils?

Essential oils are a product that is 100% natural. When we hear ‘natural’ we often associate these products with properties like soothing and gentle. However, that is not the case when it comes to essential oils. These oils pack a punch and are extremely potent. When it comes to essential oils the phrase ‘dynamite comes in small packages’ is applicable. A couple of drops of essential oil can go a long way. So, it is important to dilute them with a carrier oil of your choice, otherwise they can burn your skin. The good news is that there are many carrier oils to choose from.

So, now that you know what essential oils are and how it is essential to dilute them. Let’s move onto the benefits these powerful potions.

Benefit 1: They help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

If you are someone who counts sheep on a nightly basis, it might be time to dip your toe in the essential oil pool so to speak. Numerous studies have been conducted over the last ten years that showcase just how beneficial essential oils are at helping your body and mind relax, even in situations that are very stressful. One example of this is a study on ICU patients who were exposed to lavender and chamomile essential oil in the form of aromatherapy. Their stress levels dropped significantly; some patients even showed quicker recoveries than expected.

The best Essential oils for sleep: lavender, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, chamomile, cedar, cinnamon leaf, rose.

Benefit 2: They help wake up and stay awake.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, essential oils can be used to help you focus and give you the mental boost you need after work slump. We suggest re-booting with an invigorating essential oil like peppermint. Which has been proven to improve concentration levels and memory retention. So, if you are fighting to stay alert and battle the 4pm wave of mental fatigue, consider keeping a diffuser at your work desk to help you work productively until the end of your day.

The best Essential oils for alertness: rosemary, basil, peppermint, cedar, grapefruit, pine, juniper.

Benefit 3: They help sooth skin

Many essential oils are anti-inflammatory and have incredible antiseptic properties. They are incredible natural solutions to helping reduce acne, oily pores and inflamed skin. For example, peppermint oil is an incredible cooling oil that calms inflamed skin. Another example can be found in tea tree oil which is an excellent disinfectant that helps reduce acne and clogged pores.  We suggest mixing your tea tree oil with rose water before applying to your skin.

The best Essential oils for soothing skin: tea tree oil, lavender, fennel seed, bergamot, rosemary.