What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are extracted from plants. There are two main methods of extraction. Distillation through steam or water, or cold pressing.

Each plant has its own aromatic compounds. This will give the oil a specific essence.

The best brands will ensure that the oils don’t go through chemical processes. They also retain the original smell and flavor of the plant.

Essential oils may be found in the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits.

How to Use

1.)Inhalation

For highly concentrated oils, do not inhale directly from the bottle. Use a diffuser to release the smell into the air.

Another method would be placing a drop or two of oil to tissue or towel and inhaling it near your face.

2.)Applying on your Skin

Most essential oils are too strong to be applied on the skin. For this to work, it is best to dilute it in a carrier oil.

Carrier oils include:

• Almond oil
• Apricot kernel
• Avocado oil

For the best results, you can apply essential oils to:

• top of feet 
• top of arms
• top of wrists
• neck
• Behind the ear

If you’re a beginner, it is best to stick to inhalation and topical methods of use. Ingesting essential oils is possible, but you should only do so under the supervision of a doctor.

Choosing the Best Essential Oils

Purity Matters

These are oils that only contain aromatic plant compounds. Avoid anything that has additives or synthetic oils. 

A good brand will usually list the name of the plant as the ingredient, rather than just stating “essential oil of tea tree”.

Distillation or mechanical cold pressing are the best ways to produce essential oils. Any other chemical processes that change the oils would not be good.

For Treating a Cough, Sore Throats and Colds

1.)Eucalyptus essential oil

Eucalyptus essential oil can ease a cough in several ways.

1. Add a few drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and then apply onto throat.
2. Diluting oil in boiling water and then inhale steam

It may also be helpful to purchase a pharmacy product that contains Eucalyptus oil.

2.) Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil can help to relax the muscles of the windpipe. It could also help with easing the breathing of a person with a dry cough. 

How to use:

1. Add the oil to a diffuser
2. Dilute oil in boiling water and inhale the steam.
3. Topical peppermint oils for use

3.) Frankincense essential oil

Frankincense essential oil is good for treating cold.

It is known for being antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory.

4.) Oregano essential oil

Oregano essential oil contains a high level of carvacrol.

There is a 2014 study found that carvacrol is a helpful agent in fighting off many germs.

This oil is helpful towards viral or bacterial causes of a cough.

5.)Thyme essential oil

Thyme essential oil is similar to oregano as it also contains carvacrol.

6.) Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree oil can prevent the growth of bacteria that cause sinus infections and respiratory problems.

It is also antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial. 

You can inhale tea tree oil to relieve yourself of the cough.

7.) Lavender essential oil

Try adding a few drops in a warm bath, and inhale and soak up in the bath.

Lavender essential oil can also help when phlegm is trapped within the lungs and sinuses.

For Treating Headaches

1. Peppermint Essential Oil

This seems to be the best option for applying to headaches. Apply a small portion of peppermint oil to the temple and forehead. 

 

For Better Sleep

1. Lavender Essential Oil

This amazing multi-purpose oil will help you sleep better if through inhalation.

 

For Treating Bruises

As mentioned earlier, most essential oils are too potent to be applied to the skin. It is best to avoid skin contact with undiluted essential oils.  

Choose an ounce of carrier oil and mix it with several drops of your chosen oil. Afterward, apply the mixture onto a warm towel.

Rub the towel gently over the bruise. You may repeat this process twice a day. If it’s the first time you’re using the oil and it causes skin irritation, consult a doctor and stop using it.

1.)Arnica (Arnica montana)

Arnica flower is a popular oil used to heal bruising.

It relieves pain, reduces the size of the bruise and restores normal skin tone.

Arnica applied on the skin could help bruises heal faster. 

Make sure to apply it on unbroken skin.

2.)Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)

This is a special flower usually used by aromatherapists.

The most effective way to use this is to apply the diluted oil to unbroken skin immediately after injury. You may apply more to relieve yourself of pain.

3.)St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s wort is sometimes used in massage for bruise pain.

Apply the diluted oil to bruised area.

 

For Treating Earaches

1.)Garlic Oil

You may mix garlic oil with a bit of olive oil. Afterwards, you may apply it to the outer and inner ear.

Do not apply if eardrum is ruptured. Make sure to dilute this oil as well.

2.)Oregano Oil

Mix oil with a carrier oil and only apply it to the outer ear.

 

For Treating Scars

1.)Helichrysum essential oil

Helichrysum essential oil contains arzanol. It is an anti-inflammatory substance which helps to heal wounds.

This oil is also said to relieve skin rashes and increase collagen production.

Unfortunately, you may only see results within a few months of daily use. 

Avoid using this oil if you recently had surgery, or at risk of internal hemorrhaging. 

2.) Geranium essential oil

Geranium oil is effective because it encourages new cell growth. Despite its healing properties, Geranium oil can take up to a month for results to show.

Avoid using Geranium oil if you have high blood pressure or are at risk of cardiovascular diseases.