Essential Oils 101

Essential Oils 101

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Essential oils are a great way to change your mood and make yourself feel better. Some people say they are life changing, especially if they are dealing with stress, anxiety or insomnia. Each oil has it’s own unique benefits. Some can help improve your mood while others relax you and help you heal when you feel sick. Some will give you more energy and others will make you feel more grounded. How do you want to feel?

Aromatherapy is an alternative form of medicine and people have been using the plants and herbs that the oils come from throughout history. With today’s technology we are able to easily access tons of different oils from nature and receive the benefits.

When shopping for essential oils, look for 100% pure essential oil, like Nature’s Truth which are, Non-GMO. Gluten-free and Paraben-free while still being affordable. You want oils that come from plants and aren’t mixed with chemicals or additives.

When I first started using essential oils I was using ones that were actually fragrant/warming oils and not real essential oils. The difference is essential oils are plant based, natural and full of benefits for your body while the other oils just smell good. If they are essential oils, it will say that it’s 100% pure on the bottle.

The price of real essential oil can vary depending on where you get them. Many stores will charge you anywhere from $5 – $70 a bottle depending on the oil itself (Frankincense, for example, typically cost more than many other oils while Lavender is one of the most affordable). You can get good quality oil for as little as $5 a bottle if you know where to shop and what brands to get. Nature’s Truth oils cost around $6 a bottle or if you get a gift set like I did you’ll get an even better deal.

Even with the low price point, these oils are high quality and highly fragrant, perfect for someone who is just starting out and doesn’t want to spend a ton of money.

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How to use oils
There are many different uses for essential oils which is one thing that makes them so great. You can use them when you are stressed at work or you can use them to help you relax before bed. They smell good and are natural so you can feel good about them.

Diffuser – One of the most popular and easiest ways to use oils is to buy a diffuser. All you have to do is add a little bit of oils and maybe some water, depending on the type, and you’ll have your home or office smelling good in no time.

Not only will it smell good but the oils can change the mood of the room. If you need to study and be mentally stimulated, use some peppermint. If you want a cheerful environment try some orange. Or if you are just trying to relax after a long day use some lavender.

You can also easily make your own blends with a diffuser by just adding a few drops of different oils of your choosing. Experiment and see what you like. And if you add something you don’t like, you can add a little more of something you do like. You will get plenty of benefits either way.

There are a few different types of diffusers as well. If you are just starting out and don’t want to spend a lot of money there are small diffusers that don’t use water. They typically will use little pads that you pour the oil on and use a fan instead of water. There are cute little portable ones too that you can move all over your house or take with you.

There are bigger ones that use water and aren’t as portable. They create a mist that looks really cool and adds elegance to a room. They are quiet and the mist smells good. Some even act as a humidifier especially if you add some eucalyptus.


Bath – Add a few drops to your hot bath for adding healing and relaxation. Only use a few drops and don’t use oil that will irritate your skin.

Recommended oils are lavender, rose, frankincense and chamomile.

Yoga and Mediation – Many yoga instructors use oils during yoga practice or shavasana to help encourage relaxation and focus on the body. If you’re mind is easily distracted, the scent of the oil can bring you back into the present moment and help you focus on the movement or your breathing.

Mediation can also be tricky and your mind can easily wander. Using oils like Frankincense, lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Ceaderwood and help keep you calm, relaxed, grounded and balanced. You can use a diffuser or apply to your body or clothes.

Hands and body – Most sources say don’t apply directly to skin, that you should mix it with some kind of base oil like sunflower or coconut oil to dilute them. However, many people do apply a couple of drops directly to their hands and skin, if they don’t have sensitive skin. If this works for you, it will make the scent stronger and it will last a bit longer verses diluting it. If you have any allergic reaction of course discontinue use and try diluting them with a base oil. Also if you feel the scent is too strong or powerful, trying diluting them as well.

Also you can purchase roll on oils that are already mixed with sunflower, coconut or another oil to dilute them. It’s recommended to roll on the nape of your neck, the back of your ears or your wrist. And they smell good!

I have this lavender roll on I use regularly at work when I get stressed.

Massage – Similar to hands and body, using oils with a massage is a great way to help sooth sore muscles or aid relaxation. Use massage oil or lotion and as a base and add in a couple drops of your chosen oil.

If you have sore muscles try using peppermint or eucalyptus.

If you want to relax try using lavender or frankincense.

Cleaner – Many people make homemade cleaning products using essential oils. You can use lemon to help make cleaning products for your home or even a yoga mat. Lemon and some other oils have cleansing and purifying qualities. Mix the oils of your choice with vinegar and water to make a cleaning spray.

Types of Oils and Benefits
There are tons of different oils, each with it’s own unique benefits. You can use these oils alone or mix them other to get the benefits you want!

Lavender – This is the oil I use the most by far and is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils. If you are just starting out, buy lavender oil. It’s a very calming oil and is great if you are feeling stressed out, need to relax or struggle with anxiety. It also mixes well with many other oils.

Uses – help reduce stress and anxiety, calming, rejuvenating

Frankincense -Nicknamed “King of Oils”, Frankincense is one of the oils/perfumes given to Jesus as a gift by kings, so it must be special! It is an uplifting oil that has healing properties while promoting peace and calm.

Uses – healing, peace, meditation

Lemon – There’s a reason why so many cleaning sprays smell like lemon, it’s a cleansing oil! It is an uplifting scent that promotes happiness, cleansing and positivity.

Uses – disinfectant, cleansing, mood lifter

Orange – Similar to other citrus oils, orange is very uplifting, refreshing and promotes happiness and positivity. There are many health benefits both mentally and physically with orange oil.

Uses – antidepressant, promotes good health, refreshing

PeppermintPeppermint is a stimulating and invigorating scent that energizes you while still promoting health. It has a cool, minty scent that can open up your airways and keep you alert at the same time.

Uses – respiratory health, increase energy, allergy relief

Eucalyptus – This is a distinctive sent that you might recognize from medicines like Vick’s Vapor Rub. Eucalyptus is another healing oil that is good for congestion, allergy relief and is just pretty great when you’re feeling sick. It’s cooling and invigorating and will help you to feel better soon.

Uses – opens airways, reduces pain, good for asthma and cold or flu

Tea Tree – Also known as Melaleuca oil, Tea Tree is a purifying and refreshing oil that promotes lasting health. It blends well with other oils since it’s scent is not too powerful and adds a little extra calm and purity to your blend. It is said to be good for skin health as well.

Uses – purifying, new beginnings, calming

Cedarwood – This scent is very natural and it reminds you of nature and how trees are calm, grounded and balanced. They are rooted deeply and you can feel that way as well. This is great for yoga practice or after you’ve had a long, busy day. Some say this oil promotes wisdom as well.

Uses – calm, grounding and balance

Emotion Blends
If you are feeling sad, anxious, distracted or even tired, there is a blend for that! There are tons of awesome premade blends you can buy or you can make you own.

These are a few of my favorites:

Mental Clarity – This is a blend of 10 different oils blended together to help you clear your mind and focus on what you need to. This one is great for when I’m writing. It’s good as well before a big day, while studying or if you have a problem that you need to solve.

Happiness – This blend is a popular one for me with it’s citrus undertones mixed with other uplifting scents. It’s also an energizing blend, great for day time or if you’re feeling a little bit down and need a lift.

Good nite – At the end of your day, help yourself to relax by using a little bit of the calming, Good Nite blend. You can smell the lavender blended with frankincense, chamomile and other oils. This is great if you have trouble sleeping at night or just had a long day and want to relax.

There is also a Calming and Energizing blend from Nature’s Truth.

Homemade Blends
Here are a few of my simple homemade blends I use on a regular basis. Share some of your own in the comments!

Asthma relief/Open Airways – Peppermint and Eucalyptus

Relax after a long day – Lavender and tea tree

Yoga mix – Ceadarwood and Lavender

Warnings
Essential oils should not be used in place of regular check up from a doctor.
Do not consume essential oils
Do not get them in your eye
Avoid direct skin contact unless stated otherwise on the bottle

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