Aromatherapy is an alternative health practice of utilizing essential oils from plants.
Essential oils (EO), are highly concentrated volatile plant extracts.
These oils are made from different parts of a plant; such as lavender from the flowers, or citrus oils from the fruit rinds.
Not all EO's are gentle, some can be very strong, and need to be diluted with carrier oils to help facilitate absorption of oil into the body.
The research shows EO’s could be up to 75 times more powerful than dried herbs.
Essential oils are amazing but often overlooked due to thinking they are bad, do not work, or not understanding the best ways to use them.
They can ease many emotional states and help your body with physical issues.
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How to Find the Best Essential Oils
Many companies may be selling EO’s as pure but they are diluting them with other synthetic oils, cutting corners to save the company money.
It is estimated that 77% of essential oil on the market is synthetic, this may be why many are getting allergic reactions or the oil is not working as it should.
As in other supplements and cosmetics; adding other ingredients to fill a bottle or capsule, can make more sales and more money. Be sure you are getting a good quality product that will work effectively versus a diluted unhealthy mix.
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Here is what you need to look for when buying an Essential Oil:
- Non-GMO products or not genetically modified.
- Organically grown plants and/or is it USDA certified.
- They list the name of the plant used in the product.
- Ask where they source their ingredients and how it is processed.
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How to Start Using Your Essential Oils
I would recommend you start with just a few of the more common EO’s to practice with so you do not get overwhelmed with all your EO choices available.
- Try as an inhalant or aromatic, it absorbs quickly into the bloodstream from the lungs. Use it in a room diffuser or use 1 drop with 2 drops of carrier oil in the palm of hand and massage on the back of the neck or temples. Try lavender for relaxation or mood enhancement. Or eucalyptus for respiratory or sinus issues.
- Topically for internal therapeutic benefits by blending 1-2 drops of EO with a carrier oil and massaging where there is pain or on the abdomen for digestive issues. Peppermint for digestion or muscle pain or headaches. Frankincense to reduce inflammation or cognitive brain health.
- Personal Care for Skin and Hair you can find many products with added Essential oils or you can try adding your favorite EO to your shampoo or moisturizer. For skin conditions use tea tree EO as a great antibacterial and antifungal fighter.
- Internal can be used for some issues, but you need to be careful of using to many internally without talking to an aromatherapist. The mild EO’s you can try are peppermint, lemon, and frankincense by diluting before ingesting.
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Summary of Aromatherapy 101
I have given you several suggestions to try using your essential oils.
They work for many people, do not be hesitant, give them a trial run today and it may help you more than you expect!
 Buy Organic Essential Oils: tropicalholistic.com/collections/essential-oils
References:
https://www.byrdie.com/essential-oils-guide
https://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/essentialoilsguide.asp
https://draxe.com/essential-oils/essential-oils-guide/
Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist and is a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant helping individuals with health programs to improve life and happiness. She is a writer, speaker and owner of several businesses.
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