Essential Oils Contain Oh-so-many Natural Benefits
You’ve been hearing a lot about the benefits of essential oils. But what are all of these supposed benefits, exactly? And how can you start using them today?
Oils have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. They have been used to relieve headaches and digestive issues, alleviate pain, and can treat certain skin conditions or the common cold. They can also help improve concentration, reduce anxiety and elevate mood.
The most common way to use essential oils is to simply inhale them or apply to the skin to enjoy their therapeutic properties. But you can also add oils to diffusers and humidifiers to fill your room with a soothing scent, allowing you to center your thoughts or drift off to sleep. A diffuser is a device that disperses oils into the air. They’re relatively easy to find, inexpensive and simple to use. The device will come with instructions, which will let you know how much water to add and how many droplets of oil you’ll need.
You can also simply steam water and add a few drops to allow you to breathe easier if you suffer from seasonal allergies, sinus issues, or are feeling under the weather. Simply heat water in a small bowl and add eucalyptus oil, commonly included in over-the-counter drugstore remedies. Place a towel over you head and lean over the bowl, slowly inhaling and exhaling until the oil opens up your airways.
To apply to your skin as a natural alternative to department perfumes, use a rollerball and place your favorite scent inside. Gently roll onto your wrists and neck. Your skin will absorb the oil, leading to a long-lasting, effective aroma.
In general, each essential oil comes with its own set of benefits. Some scents, like lavender and chamomile, promote healthy sleep, while others, like lemon, improve energy. Ginger can tighten and tone skin, and tea tree oil is a highly effective fungus deterrent.
A word of caution, though – most essential oils should not be taken orally. If your skin becomes irritated when applying, discontinue use. You can also try diluting with water to decrease the potency. Some people are overly sensitive to oils the same as they would be to perfumes and other methods of aromatherapy.
If you want to try incorporating essentials into your routine, research the purpose of each and decide which scents you find most appealing. There are a ton of options available, which make these oils super fun to explore!
