How Do Essential Oils Work, and What Ones Should I Use

In the modern world, it can feel like there's an artificially manufactured product to solve pretty much any health and wellness-related issue. While this is true in many instances, some of the best remedies are almost entirely natural, as is the case with essential oils. Nearly one hundred varieties of essential oils are on the market, each with precise functions and uses. From stress relief and improved concentration to better sleep and mood boosters, there's an essential oil for pretty much anything you can think of!

What Are Essential Oils?

Before we go any further, what exactly is an essential oil? These highly concentrated oils are plant extracts. Hydrophobic liquids from various parts of the plant, including the stem, flowers, leaves, and fruit, are withdrawn using an array of different techniques, including distilling and pressing. Even though essential oils usually come in small bottles, many of which are less than 50 ml in capacity, several pounds of flowers or plants are used to create enough liquid for a standard-sized container.

How Do I Use Essential Oils?

Essential oils are used in various ways, most commonly by inhaling them or applying some to the skin. Although they're perfectly safe to use, they should never be ingested unless it's specified that it's safe to do so. Swallowing many of these oils can lead to serious side effects and complications. As they're regularly used in aromatherapy, many people add them to diffusers, inhaling them through steam by mixing a few drops with hot water or using them to make a pillow mist. For topical treatments, diluted essential oils are often applied directly to the skin, while some users prefer to add some to bath water or into shower gels and body lotions.

What Are the Best Essential Oils to Use?

Now that you know what essential oils are and how to use them, it's time to look at the best-loved varieties and how they work. There are dozens of essential oils out there, so we've narrowed it down to the most sought-after and useful options available.

Lavender

Lavender is among the most multi-functional essential oils, which is why it continues to be incredibly popular. It's bursting with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which can help fight acne, mild infections, and cell damage. As if there weren't enough reasons to stock up on lavender, it's also known to improve sleep quality, alleviate stress, and treat pain.

Jasmine 

Jasmine offers many similar benefits to lavender, as it's believed to relieve anxiety, promote better sleep, and, in some cases, tackle pain. However, it offers a host of other advantages, many of which relate to cognitive function. It's said that jasmine can enhance energy levels, alertness, and your overall mood. Some say it may even work to balance select hormones, which can lead to milder PMS symptoms, increased libido, and less invasive menopausal side effects.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is somewhat of a powerhouse when it comes to sinus-related and flu-like issues. It can help to minimize congestion, clear up a lingering cough, and loosen stubborn phlegm in the chest. In addition, it's thought to manage joint pain, balance blood sugar, and even freshen breath, which is why you'll find it in some mouthwashes.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea has long been hailed for its role in aiding digestion and mitigating discomfort caused by GI-related illnesses. In oil form, peppermint offers many of the same benefits, plus a number of other perks. Many people look to peppermint oil to treat headaches, muscle pain, and menstrual cramps. Its capabilities don't stop there, however, as it can also help with nausea, memory, unblocking sinuses, and even keeps insects out of your home! 

Chamomile

Beloved for its calming properties, chamomile, much like peppermint, is often better known as a tea rather than an essential oil. This oil works to relax the body and mind, leading to quality sleep and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Chamomile's uses don't stop there, as many people love it for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving qualities. It's even been utilized to soothe skin conditions, clear up cold sores, and heal wounds.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil's antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects are well-documented, making it a go-to treatment for athlete's foot, open wounds, and insect bites.

Like most essential oils, tea tree has more than just a few uses, and it's also frequently seen as an effective remedy for head lice, dandruff, body odor, and acne.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass oil boasts many of the same qualities as its tea tree counterpart, meaning it fights bacteria and targets inflammation. A popular ingredient in insect repellents and cleaning products, lemongrass is an essential oil that many of us utilize on a daily basis. Its uses don't end there, though, as many believe lemongrass can contribute to improved gut health, pain relief, and reduced stress.

Rosemary

Rosemary oil is often celebrated for its ability to combat hair loss, dandruff, and premature graying. As fantastic as its hair-related perks are, these are just a few of the many ways in which rosemary works. Better moods, concentration, and memory are all linked with rosemary oil, as are enhanced circulation and relief from mild pain.

Bergamot 

Bergamot is thought to work wonders for everything from irritated skin and digestive troubles to high cholesterol and weakened immunity.

These are just some of the many side effects of bergamot, as it is often considered a natural deodorant and mouthwash. In some cases, it can even help to bring down a fever.

Frankincense

Among the finest essential oils for brain function and clarity, frankincense is a valuable tool for lowering stress levels, fighting anxiety, and elevating your ability to focus.

Better still, frankincense has been dubbed an immunostimulant. This means it protects your immune system by inhibiting germs or bacteria from growing both in your body and around your home.

Learn How to Effectively Use Essential Oils With This Practical Guide

With this guide, you can stock up on the essential oils suited to your specific needs. Using them can seem a little unconventional at first, but trust us, these simple but potent therapeutic oils pack a powerful punch!