The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These products are not alternatives to medical care. The contents of this website are not medical advice & are intended for general knowledge & information only.
If you are here, I am sure it is because you have heard about the incredible therapeutic properties of essential oils. While it is true, essential oils do provide support, there are many to choose from that provide a wide variety of healing potential. There are typical essential oils that circulate as popular such as lavender, peppermint, lemon, and numerous others. As your journey with aromatherapy continues, you begin to come across many more that therapeutically work in ways similar to the ones you are familiar with. So how do you know which oils are best suited for you?
Before we dive in there are some things you should note about essential oils
- Aromatherapy is not a cure all. These volatile aromatics are used to support the body and mind. They are never a replacement to medical care and the idea that “there is an oil for that” is not always true.
- Check the contraindications. Since essential oils are made from natural chemical constiuents, there are some situations in which certain individuals should avoid certain oils.
- Topically and Aromatically, essential oils are highy effective. These methods allow the active constituents to enter the blood stream or reach the brain where they are able to provide therapeutic effects. internal usage should always be done under the supervision of a trained aromatherapist.
- Remember the “less is more” mentality. It takes a very large amount of plant substance to create a small amount of essential oil. Some plants are becoming endangered as well. Plus, essential oils are very potent. For these reasons, individuals using aromatherapy should remain conscious about contributing to the sustainability of oils.
- Water and oils do not mix. There are many articles that describe combining essential oils with water for use. Some are to take internally for “flavor” while others are for cleaning or beauty products. Unless there is an emulsifier involved to properly mix the oil and water, this will create an undiluted mixture. Also note that any time water is involved, a preservative will be needed to avoid bacterial and mold growth (even if unseen, it will grow quickly).
- Safety First! I cannot stress this enough. There are too many spreading false and unsafe information for using essential oils. Please make sure that you are receiving information from a reputable source and even better, consult with an aromatherapist to ensure safe usage for you and your loved ones. Make sure to read “What They Aren’t Telling You About Essential Oils” to ensure safe usage and gain tons of credible aromatherapy knowledge.
- I am always available for free to answer your questions! My contact info and social media can be found at the bottom of this website. Email support@earthlyessentialsus.com at anytime.
How do you know what you need and where to get them?
By now you have probably heard that Lavender essential oil is helpful for sleep. Peppermint is beneficial for headaches and energy. Lemon is cleansing. And Eucalyptus aids with congestion. These are wonderful essential oils to begin with and what is said about them is true. However, there is a world filled with other incredible essential oils that you should add to your healing collection.
Obtaining quality essential oils is not difficult. Right now, the most popular seem to be through mlm companies, 2 in particular. However, their prices are absurd and to gain their “wholesale” prices (which is still quite high) you are required to purchase a certain amount each month. That isn’t always possible or needed for individuals newer to Aromatherapy.
You don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on high quality essential oils!
There are a few things that you want to check for when searching for a company (or companies) you love and trust. Questions to ask: does this company third party test each batch of oils and offer transparency to customers on the results? Are the latin names of each oil present? How is this company promoting use of their products? Are they using words such as “therapeutic grade”, “pure”, “CPTG”, or anything similar? answers to these questions will help you discover a company who is all about quality oils, without giving them unnecessary labels or hiding anything.
Some of my favorite reputible and cost effective brands are:
- Aromatics International
- Eden’s Garden
- Nature’s Gift
- Stillpoint Aromatics
- Plant Therapy
- Be Kind Botanicals
8 Must-Have oils for your therapeutic collection
In addition to the most common essential oils we talked about, these are some wonderful additions to keep on hand and use.
Bergamot:
I truly believe that everyone needs Bergamot Citrus bergamia in their life. It holds many supportive properties, however it is best know for its support for mental and emotional health. It is known as a nervine that may calm anxiety (relaxing), yet promote positive emotional health (uplifting). When Combined with Basil, I have found it to be highly supportive for anxiety, depression, mood imbalances, and PTSD.
Favorite Usage: Inhalation or Diffuser Blends for mental & emotional support.
Basil:
Basil Ocimum basilicum is a wonderful herb-y aroma that is a great addition to mental health support blends. It aids with reducing anxiety, fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and feelings of depression. It is also beneficial in supporting the digestive system. When combined with Roman Chamomile, Ginger, and/or Peppermint, Basil is soothing to digestive upsets.
Favorite Usage: Inhalation or Diffuser Blends for mental & emotional support. Topical blend for digestive upsets.
Roman Chamomile:
Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile has a wide range of active constituents, making it beneficial for a large range of support options. Most notably, R. Chamomile is soothing for digestive issues. It is known to have anagelsic properties, making it a wonderful support for aches & pains. It also provides support for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It is cleansing for minor woulds, reduced bruising, and aids in reducing inflammation. Roman Chamomile is a more mild essential oil and is safe to use, when properly diluted, on younger children.
Favorite Usage: Inhalation or Diffuser Blends for mental & emotional support. Topical blend for digestive upsets. Cold Compress for skin concerns & healing.
Black Pepper:
Black pepper Piper nigrum may provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic support. It is higher in both monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and therefore may support aches & pains, poor circulation, arthritis pain, and stiffness. Some studies claim that it may provide aid in soothing sciatic nerve pain. It is a “warm” oil due to its rubefacient actions and therefore promotes blood flow and may turn skin slightly red.
Favorite Usage: Topical blend for soothing pain..
Vetiver:
Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides is a mild earthy aroma. It is a wonderful addition for facial serums because it supports all types of skin. It is a thick oil, so patience is needed when using it. However, it is a beautiful base note for sedative blends that support mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, emotional imbalances, and even insomnia. Although it is known best for its sedative properties, studies have shown that it also aids in concertration and focus.
Favorite Usage: Inhalation or Diffuser Blends for mental & emotional support. Topical blend for facial night serum.
Geranium & Clary Sage:
These two oils, when combined are a must-have blend for females. Together they support the female reproductive system and aid in balancing hormones. They are a wonderful way to soothe menstrual cramps & regulate flow due to their antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. They also provide a femanine aroma and make a wonderful oil blend for the face as they are said to aid in firming tissue (skin). The are also said to be energizing & possibly increase libido.
Favorite Usage: Topical blend for night facial serum. Toically as a massage blend for soothing menstrual discomfort. Weekly in a bath to aid in toning female reproductive system and support healthy hormone function.
Yarrow:
Although Yarrow Achillea millefolium is a bit on the pricier side when it comes to oils. It is one that has gotten our little ones and family through some of the ugliest cuts, scrapes, and bruises. It is definitely worth keeping a small bottle on hand. Yarrow is highly anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. It also posseses antiseptic, analgesic, and astringent properties. All of this means that it is a wonderful essential oil to use for bruises, wounds, cuts, scrapes, and with skin infections. The astringent properties are said to support the healing process by drawing out toxins while its analgesic properties are soothing for pain.
Favorite Usage: Cold compress & topical blend for minor wounds and infections. Great to use for healing support.
Aromatherapy is a wonderful thing.
Truly, using essential oils in your home therapeutically can provide support for your health in numerous ways. There are so many choices out there, which makes educating and experimentation a fun adventure. When used properly, aromatherapy really can support whole health & wellness!
To get your Holistic First Aid Checklist simply subscribe and check your email.
References:
Bowles, E. (2003). The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils; 3rd Edition. Allen & Unwin. Crows Nest, AU
Petersen, D. (2016). Aromatherapy Materia Medica: Essential Oil Monographs. American College of Healthcare Sciences. Portland, OR.