Essential Oils for Beginners: Flavors and Uses

What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor, or "essence," of their source.

Essential oils used in aromatherapy trigger responses in the brain that send healing to the body. These oils can balance out hormone levels, heal digestive disorders, and dramatically reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.
Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that's ready for use.

The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.

Most Popular Essential Oils:
Lavender Essential Oil.
Peppermint Essential Oil.
Lemon Essential Oil.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil.
Frankincense Essential Oil.
Tea Tree Essential Oil.
Chamomile Essential Oil.
Rosemary Essential Oil.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

Aromatherapy has been in existence for 6000 decades or more it is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. 

It's also called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.

Aromatherapy doesn’t have to be high-priced, and it has many benefits. It has become fundamental for alternative and holistic medicine. Establishing aromatherapy as a habit in your ordinary life will help you take some time for yourself.

If you don’t know how to use essential oils, don’t feel overwhelmed or intimidated by how to get started. It’s really easy and a lot of fun! You’ll be surprised in how many areas of your life you are able to use your oils:

Essential oil diffuser
People everywhere are now using essential oil diffusers in their homes to reap the benefits of the scents of natural essential oils.
Primarily, diffusers are used to relieve stress, promote relaxation and freshen the air naturally. If you're looking to add one to your home, you have a wide range of options to choose from.

Use in a bath

Adding essential oils to your bath is an amazing way to take a relaxing time-out during your busy day. Buy a box of simple Epsom salts as the base for your essential oils. If you just drop the oils into the water, they will not dissolve as nicely as they do when first mixed into the salts, who then dissolve beautifully. Please don’t combine any other chemically produced soaps or products into this mix in an effort to fully enjoy all the benefits of the essential oil and Epsom salts alone.

Oils Skin Application

Coconut Oil

Used in many natural face products and for good reason: it's naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and moisturizing. Coconut oil is composed primarily of nourishing fatty acids and is especially high in lauric acid. It also contains vitamin E and healthy fats, which help to make skin smooth.

Olive Oil 

Most commonly used in cooking, olive oil can also be used for cosmetics as carrier oil. Olive oil is packed with benefits including aiding occasional ear discomfort, joint pain, support of rheumatic conditions, or hair care applications.

Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil is a great source of vitamin E, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and is effective for combatting skincare issues like acne, inflammation, general redness and irritation of the skin. In addition to vitamin E, sunflower oil is also rich in vitamins A, C, and D, making it effective in the treatment of acne. Sunflower seed oil contains vitamins and fatty acids that act as antioxidants to regenerate new skin cells and help your skin rid itself of acne-causing bacteria.

Shea Butter 
Shea butter is a skin superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. It offers UV protection (it is SPF ~6) and provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production.
Reduces Inflammation: A 2010 study found that due to its cinnamic acid and other natural properties, shea butter was anti-inflammatory. One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations. This also makes it beneficial for some people with acne.

Moisturizing: The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin. It is often used to remedy dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils.
Skin Smoothing: Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying. With long-term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction.

Jojoba Oil 

Extracted from the jojoba beans, jojoba oil can be stored for a longer period of time compared to other carrier oils. It possesses an almost indefinite shelf life. It is easily absorbed by the skin as jojoba oil mimics collagen, making it relaxing to the skin, especially for those who have hypersensitivity, eczema, psoriasis, acne or blackheads. 

Almond Oil

Sweet Almond carrier oil is an excellent emollient which softens and reconditions the skin. It penetrates easily and can soothe dry, irritated areas. Excellent for all skin types.
Well suited as a carrier oil for aromatherapy blends. Also useful as a bath or massage oil; excellent addition to lotion bars, sugar or salt scrubs and balms.

Simply inhale

Steam inhalation

Also called steam therapy, it involves the inhalation of water vapor. The warm, moist air is thought to work by loosening the mucus in the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. This may relieve symptoms of inflamed, swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages.


Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is used for a variety of different reasons, including relaxation, pain management, and improved mood. These are also some of the basic benefits of massage therapy. Adding essential oils is thought to enhance such benefits.