An Introduction To Essential Oils

Essential oils have long been used for spiritual and healing practices. Essential oils currently enjoy a renewed popularity as the health and wellness movement has started to gain ground in popular culture. From day spas to big box grocery stores, you can find essential oils just about everywhere, in cleaning products, diffusers and air fresheners, and skin care products.

Essential oils are compounds made from plant materials, and these oils are not just some trendy health topic; they’ve been used for several years now in the food industry, as farmers are using more natural methods of providing antibiotics to livestock. Drug-resistant superbugs are in part due to the incredible amount of antibiotics that are given to the animals in our food supply.

Oils may be used in a wide variety of household products; from cleaning supplies, in beauty and skin care routines, and in basic wound care. Many find essential oils to be beneficial in the treatment of conditions like anxiety, acne, nausea, and headaches, and there is scientific research to confirm the healing properties of many essential oils.

Essential oils are a popular, trending topic, but it is not limited to hipsters and folks trying to jump on a wellness bandwagon. Our grandmothers often recommended peppermint to help ease an upset tummy, and many a pregnant woman can vouch for the anti-nausea benefits found in peppermint oil.

Be sure to follow directions for use, as some oils are not safe for consumption, and some are good for skin while others are not. Here is a list of just a few essential oils and their benefits:

• Lavender oil is often used for anxiety, as a sleep aid, and concentration.
• Peppermint oil helps with nausea, indigestion, and headaches.
• Jojoba oil can accelerate wound healing; also beneficial as a topical skin treatment for mild acne.
• Frankincense oil, used for cellular growth.
• Rose oil as a skin moisturizer.
• Lemon oil for antibacterial and antiseptic uses, often found in cleaning products.



• Cinnamon oil can be used to cure muscle aches, to help with cold symptoms; it’s also an anti-inflammatory.
• Lemongrass oil is often found in cleaning products, good for digestion, and as a natural bug repellent.
• Eucalyptus oilcan be used as a natural pesticide, bug repellant, boost the immune system and an anti-inflammatory.
• Rosemary oil for stress relief.