Did you know that some essential oil scents can actually improve your health? Essential oils can also help you relax or sleep, or improve your skin or digestion — their benefits go well beyond a pleasant smell.
Essential oils can have a healing effect mentally, physically, and emotionally. You can apply them directly onto your skin, inhale or use through a diffuser.
Technically, essential oils aren’t oils at all, as they lack fatty acids. Rather, they’re highly concentrated plant components. It can take a lot of plant to get out a small amount of essential oil. For example it takes 4,000 pounds of Bulgarian roses to get one pound of oil.
There are some general tips for using essential oils that apply regardless of the type. Look for a high-quality therapeutic-grade oil: pure, medicinal, and steam distilled. Never apply the oils directly to your skin, as their high concentration can cause a reaction or irritation. Instead, essential oils should be diluted with water or a carrier oil like jojoba or almond. And with a few exceptions, do not ingest essential oils. And always talk to your doctor about health concerns, especially if they represent sudden changes in your well-being.