Guide to Essential Oils

Introducing essential oils into daily life can be easy and offer a wide range of benefits. Below are a few tips and ways to help inspire you to get started. Always remember to take safety precautions and dilute with a carrier oil before topical use.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

For centuries, aromatic plants have been used in traditional medical systems as well as households to enhance well-being, bring forth spiritual awakening, and assist with cleansing and purification rituals.

With the advent of steam distillation as an efficient way to extract these concentrated aromatic compounds, essential oils have continued to be researched and slowly integrated into daily life. We are learning more and more each day about these potent plant extracts, and the myriad of ways they can support our wellness and enhance our quality of life.

Essential oils are extracted from precious plant material that required land, air, water, and lots of energy, care, and hard work to create. As more and more people are using and loving essential oils, sustainability is an issue to be mindful of. When it comes to essential oils, use what you need — for your own health as well as that of our planet, less is more.

Essential oils to help promote mental clarity

By simply using many essential oils aromatically, such as in an aromatherapy diffuser or by direct palm inhalation, one’s mental clarity and focus can be enhanced.

Studies have shown that many essential oils can be energizing, increase alertness, stimulate motivation, and even improve memory.

  • Lemon
  • Peppermint

Essential oils to aid in rest and relaxation

Now more than ever, many people find it hard to unwind from a long day of work, or to let go of the day’s pressures and strains. Some of the most widely researched essential oils and chemical components contained therein have been shown to have a powerful impact on the body’s ability to restore and relax.
  • Wind Down
  • Bergamot
  • Lavender

Essential oils to help boost energy

Smell is the only one of our senses linked directly to the emotional control centers of our brain. This means that what we smell can have a direct impact on our emotions. Many essential oils can actually be used to help create a positive emotional outlook and give us extra pep in our step.
  • Orange
  • Grapefruit
  • Peppermint
  • Get Going

Essential oils can help support clear breathing

Essential oils can be powerful tools to help with seasonal challenges. They can also help encourage us to take deep, revitalizing, full breaths when needed. This is a great example of how the plant part from which the essential oil is extracted can help reveal that particular oil’s usage. Trees provide excellent help with clear breathing, while citrus fruits can cleanse and purify the air.
  • Open Up
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lemon

Essential oils can inspire inner balance and aid meditation

Certain precious plants, such as frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood, have been used since ancient times as incense, spiritual offerings, and meditation tools. It is then not surprising to see the research affirming the grounding, focusing, and centering qualities of these essential oils that have been known for ages.
  • Be Centered

Essential oils can cleanse and purify the home

Most conventional home cleaners are filled with harsh chemicals. Many essential oils are excellent for home use, as they have powerful cleansing properties and can be easily integrated into cleaning regimens. Essential oils can be diffused into water and baking soda or mild soap for general surface cleansing.
  • Lemon
  • Lemongrass