The Essential Oil Post
Consider this the beginner's guide to using essential oils to improve your general well-being. As I've stated before (but will say again because it's important) I am NOT a doctor or licensed/trained/certified professional in any way. I offer this knowledge based on personal experience, anecdotes of others, or podcasts I've heard/articles I've read. I will link periodically to relevant sources as I find them, but please understand this is a far cry from an actual academic study. Please accept the following as a helpful guide to begin to (safely) experiment for yourself with essential oils to positively impact your daily life!
My favorite way (and the safest by far) to use essential oils is by using an essential oil diffuser. Don't be fooled by the big names in chemical deodorizing products and whatever they're calling a "diffuser" or an "oil"! Febreeze, Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, and on and on - these are not actually essential oils. They're synthetic compounds that smell like pleasant things that do not give you any benefits (in fact, research is beginning to show these can negatively impact your respiratory system and your hormone levels). I'll talk about properly sourcing your oils later, but suffice it to say for now that you need to be buying high-quality oils and diluting them properly into a real diffuser for this method. This brand makes a lot of great diffusers and I've used this one at my desk at work for over a year now. Simply add a few drops of your oil of choice to some water in the reservoir of your diffuser and press a button to enjoy! The precise concentrations vary depending on which diffuser you choose, so make sure you read the directions.
Another way to obtain the benefits of these natural oils is topical dilutions. As a disclaimer - never use any essential oil on your skin without first diluting it with a carrier oil. An appropriate ratio for just about every adult is a 2% dilution (meaning roughly 12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil).
What do I mean by "carrier oil"? There are many options, but the most reliable I've seen are coconut oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil. You can also use olive oil, almond oil, or most any other minimally-processed plant-based oil you know your body reacts well to. If you're completely lost or can't find good options, make sure that the only ingredient is an oil made from a plant and that the label says "Organic" and "Cold-pressed".
Once you've diluted your chosen oil to a safe level, you can feel free to spread it pretty much anywhere (avoiding your eyes and other *ahem* highly sensitive areas to prevent irritation). You can use a dilution like this as a facial moisturizer, as an invigorating lotion, or even as a spot-treatment for inflammation, aches, and pains. I've used this method with moisturizers as well as epsom salt soaks and even home-made, naturally aluminum-free deodorant (although, full disclosure: I'm taking a break from this after a bad reaction to either the specific essential oil I used last time or to the carrier oil base, the experimenting continues). Make no mistake, essential oils are powerful medicine and the side-effects can bite you if you get cavalier with your usage of them. This also means that you can experience really astounding benefits by using them in this way.
Lastly, essential oils can be used internally. This is the most advanced method of use and to be perfectly honest I very rarely use them in this way. As with topical usage, the key thing to remember is dilute, dilute, dilute! If you're interested in using essential oils in this way I highly recommend going to a holistic supply store and asking a professional what they would recommend for the kind of ailment you're looking to cure. Before you've had enough experience to know how your body responds to essential oils, stick to brands/products that are specifically designed for internal use.
That said, the next most important thing is the quality of the oil you're using. Essential oils are not regulated by any authority, so you need to be confident you're getting something that will be safe and effective. In short: if it's cheap, it's not the real deal. The process of turning a plant into an essential oil is complex, costly, and time-consuming. Each bottle of essential oil produced takes a huge volume of plant matter and purity is an important factor, so keep that in mind when you're shopping around. My go-to supplier is Rocky Mountain Oils, but there are many companies out there producing quality oils for a reasonable price.
Now to the fun stuff - each individual oil has its own unique benefits when used in a variety of methods and blends. You can really mix and match your own blends pretty much infinitely, or you can use a pre-made blend for a specific purpose. Below I've listed a few that I have experience with, but please do your own reading on the subject to find all new ways to improve your mood, your health, and your whole life.
Lavender: this plant is well-known for being the most relaxing scent. I love to use it in my diffuser to keep stress at bay during a busy work day, as a moisturizer before bed, or with epsom salt in a hot bath to really wind down.
Lemon: fun fact - a drop of lemon oil can help remove tough stains from your clothes! It's not just an old wives' tale: seltzer water and lemon can loosen up dried-in stains and is less harsh than other chemicals, keeping your clothes clean and undamaged and keeping you from reacting to conventional detergents.
Peppermint: the best for reducing inflammation, I use this when I have a headache (instead of painkillers which trash your liver). Whether a sinus headache, stress headache, or migraine - it's a foolproof way to alleviate the pain. Just dilute a little peppermint oil with your carrier oil of choice and rub it into your temples, above your eyebrows, and along the back of your neck for a heavenly cooling sensation. Take a good whiff of your hands after applying to really open up your sinuses. I also occasionally use a peppermint oil that is made specifically for digestive relief. I follow the instructions on the label to dilute it into some water and drink it if I'm feeling queasy from some questionable food.
Oregano/Rosemary: these oils are great for boosting your immune system. The plants have been used in holistic medicines for centuries and a little goes a long way. Add some to your favorite unscented lotion (with a carrier oil listed in the ingredients of course) and dab a bit at a pulse point to increase absorption to help fight off whatever plague your coworkers or children are bringing your way.
Tea tree/Eucalyptus: these woodsy, earthy scents work wonders purifying the air in your home or office. Diffusing a blend of these oils will keep your lungs happier and healthier which is a huge benefit where air-quality in some areas of the country is the worst it's ever been.
Sandalwood/Ylang Ylang: there's a reason these have been found in perfumes for centuries - they're pretty potent aphrodisiacs. Both are proven mood-boosters, priming you for play time with your significant other. Whether you're feeling spicy or floral, either scent may just help you get lucky.
I hope this information helps you experiment for yourself with the wonders of essential oils. There is no limit to the possible blends, so find what works for you; create your own custom scent. At the very least, you'll smell divine without the garbage chemicals found in synthetic fragrances!
Get at me in the comments to tell us what worked, what didn't, and what you can't get enough of!