In this guide, you’ll learn all about the different essential oils, their basic functions and uses, and how to pick out a high-quality essential oil brand. But more than anything, this guide is intended to teach you how to use them safely around your pets and family and in your health and beauty routine!
Essential oils are incredible natural “helper healers” (although they may not cure anything on their own, they are one more powerful weapon to add to our health and beauty arsenal. )
Essential oils are one of the hottest topics in the health and wellness world today, and it’s easy to see why.
They’re natural, affordable, and have so many uses. But there are also plenty of conflicting opinions online about which essential oils are safe to use and how to use them, which can make finding accurate information a bit confusing.
What Is an Essential Oil?
An essential oil is a highly concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds derived from plants. They are also known as volatile oils. Ok, this part was technical and boring, but calm down. Things will get a bit more fun; I promise.
Every plant contains essential oils. The aromatic compounds in these oils help plants to survive, for example, by attracting pollinators and protecting themselves against harmful microorganisms.
Essential oils are unique in two senses:
(1) They contain one or more distinctive aroma constituents that give each oil its distinct characteristics and odor.
(2) They are necessary for that plant’s complete development and are considered essential nutrients.
They are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam-heated furnaces.
So, basically, plants have different structures from each other. Some have simple structures, while others are more complex, depending on the chemical components present in them. Therefore, each essential oil has its own unique chemical structure and consequently, particular effects useful in health beauty treatments.
Nowadays, we have around 150 different E. oils available in aromatherapy.
10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING ESSENTIAL OILS
Have you recently used essential oils to support your physical or emotional well-being? If so, that’s great! Because they can be an effective part of a holistic approach to health and wellness.
But if you’re new to using them, it’s important to understand how they work and how to use them safely before incorporating them into your daily routine.
Here are 10 things to consider when using essential oils:
1) The Quality is Important.
Due to the potential for contaminants and impurities, it is important that you purchase your oils only from reliable sources and that you only buy oils without added chemicals or fillers.
- Make sure you know where your product came from and how it was extracted and produced.
- Avoid synthetic oils or ones that are labeled “fragrance oil,” as these are usually synthetic fragrances and not essential oils at all.
- Beware of meaningless marketing terms, such as:
– Therapeutic grade or pure. There is no official certification for that, so it is possible to have a poor quality oil even if the product is labeled 100% “pure.”
-Organic, without the official green “USDA Organic” label.
-Vegan ( Since they are plant extracts, they’re vegan-friendly! )
-Natural (There is no regulation on the term ‘natural’, so anyone can put some natural ingredients in a product and call it natural.)
- Check if a company is a member of a reputable association, such as the NAHA (National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.)
- Check if the company provides GC/MS testing reports.
P.S. – Be careful with famous brands that recommend ingesting and using essential oils over the slightest thing. Be wise!
2) Choose Oils with Therapeutic Benefits.
The aromatherapy world is full of exciting new scents, and there are different oils with different uses. Whether you’re looking for an oil that provides stress relief or can boost your immune system, choose high-quality oils with therapeutic benefits. (Note: As stated above, “therapeutic grade,” could be just a marketing hype thing, so be sure you trust your essential oil producer).
You don’t need quantity; you need quality and the right ingredient for your specific need!
Always look for science-based, reliable articles and studies, about the essential oil that you are choosing. A few examples include:
3) Purity Matter.
If you use essential oils, ensure they’re 100% pure and extracted using safe methods.
Remember that they are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. While they may smell fine and feel good on your skin, remember that just because an oil smells pleasant doesn’t mean it is safe to apply directly. They can be strong!
As we have mentioned, only purchase products directly from reputable manufacturers or distributors. Check reviews before buying a brand you haven’t used before.
Wild Crafted and Certified USDA organic label products are free of harmful chemical additives, making them safer and better!
The botanical name of the plant.
Country of origin.
Distillation or packaging date.
Batch number.
Essential oils require a massive amount of plant matter to make just a tiny amount of oil.
Large fields are required to grow the plants used to produce the essential oils.
Various plants produce essential oils; some are more difficult to grow than others.
Essential oil sellers are not necessarily those who manufacture it.
As not all farmers can grow all kinds of plants, there will be a need for more suppliers.
A farmer will need to ship his plants to a manufacturer to produce essential oils.
Cold storage is necessary.
Pricing varies greatly depending on which part of the plant is used.
Many steps are involved in becoming “certified organic,” which significantly increases the price.
Steam distillation and cold pressing are both methods of extracting, and the prices are different for each extraction method.
4) Your Skin Absorbs Essential Oils Quickly .
When using essential oils topically, be careful. You should not apply pure, undiluted essential oils directly to the skin!
Our skin can absorb up to 98% of essential oils (wow!). This excellent absorption rate can cause all sorts of problems, however, if you aren’t careful. So, please do not use too much or for too long.
I know I don’t need to repeat it, but I prefer to err on the side of caution: if you have sensitive skin, be much more careful and always dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin!
5) Spot Test All New Essential Oils on Your Skin First.
The fact that essential oils come from plants does not necessarily mean that they are safe! Natural substances can also be irritating, allergenic, and even toxic.
6) Use Only Pure and Unaltered Oils.
The purity of essential oils is not something you can see, so it’s crucial to purchase from reputable retailers.
Unfortunately, many companies alter their oils in some way—such as cutting them with a carrier oil to make a profit.
Without high-quality oil, your health and aromatherapy efforts will be wasted.
Always buy from respected retailers who guarantee the purity and concentration on each label. If you are buying online, check reviews and certifications before purchasing.
Unfortunately, many sites sell subpar products and charge premium prices for them!
P.S. – Before buying a product, make sure the company has a sustainability policy. The availability of some oils, such as sandalwood and rosewood, because the plants used in their production are vulnerable species.
7) Keep Out of The Eyes and Ears.
When used properly, essential oils are generally safe, but they can still be a mild irritant when used in certain places on your body.
So, it’s best not to get any essential oils in your eyes or ears — but why would anyone do that anyway? LOL
Sorry, not everyone will react positively to some oils.
For example, many people like lavender and find it very calming; however, if you have hay fever or are sensitive to pollen (it’s derived from flowers), lavender might cause allergic reactions for you.
8) Avoid Using Essential Oils While Pregnant or Breastfeeding.
While safe in small amounts, some essential oils can interfere with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
For example, both clary sage and juniper berry may cause contractions.
Thyme oil is an emmenagogue. Emmenagogues are herbs capable of stimulating the menstrual flow even when not due.
These are just a few examples, but there are many others.
Additionally, many essential oils are only for topical use, so you must not ingest them! Before using it, make sure you read up on all potential side effects of any essential oil!
9) Avoid Using Essential Oils Near Children Under the Age of Five.
Some oils can irritate a child’s sensitive skin and respiratory tract, so check to ensure you are following specific dilution ratios and other safety guidelines, such as if the oil you are using is safe or not to be used around children.
Some Examples:
These are just a few examples of essential oils that are not safe to use around toddlers and small children, but there are more.
Always follow proper safety guidelines when using any essential oil but be particularly careful when using them around small children who can have more delicate sensitivities.
Before you begin, know why you’re using the essential oil, thoroughly research all new oils, learn how to dilute them properly and how to safely apply them.
10) Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets?
Although you may be tempted to apply oils to your pets, don’t (or check with the vet first). While some oils may be safe for use on your pets, most are not.
Cats, in particular, have very sensitive systems that are not capable of processing essential oils, which can cause toxicity, illness, and death even in small doses.
These are just a few examples of essential oils that are not safe to use around pets, but there are more.
How to Properly Store Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be kept out of reach of pets, children, and other curious hands.
Some essential oils can also cause damage if they contact certain surfaces, so it’s important to know how to store them properly after opening. For example, citrus essential oils, like lemon, can discolor surfaces if left for too long.
Please make sure that the bottle lids are tightly fastened ( essential oils are volatile and evaporate pretty quickly)
Last but not least, it’s imperative to store the oils in dark glass containers as they are susceptible to degradation when exposed to heat, light, and air.
Should I Use Organic or Natural Essential Oils?
Organic and natural are not the same thing.
People have used botanical substances derived from plants as medicine for thousands of years. Plants are incredibly complex, containing hundreds of chemical compounds, many of which we still don’t understand completely. As a result, some manufacturers have begun using synthetic chemicals to create essential oil “blends.”
A great example of an essential oil blend is lavender oil: Lavender contains camphor, linalool, eucalyptol, and other compounds that provide its signature scent and therapeutic benefits. The downside? Camphor has been linked to seizures in large doses, linalool may cause skin irritation, eucalyptol may cause respiratory issues, and lavender itself has been shown to slow blood clotting.
On top of all that, many synthetic chemicals aren’t regulated by government agencies like they should be because they’re considered “food additives.” Because of this, you can find a lot of “natural/pure” essential oils that are not natural, much less pure. With organic products, this is already more likely to happen!
– But enough of all the nitty gritty, let’s move on to what matters most: What are the most common benefits of essential oils?
BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in plants, flowers, and herbs.
These aromatic compounds are obtained through the distillation of herbs, roots, barks, or flowers via expression, CO2 extraction (a new method that uses gas rather than heat), and absolute extraction ( a different method without steam or water used with extremely delicate flowers, such as jasmine).
They are also used in aromatherapy, where the fragrance and aroma are believed to positively impact the mind and body. This is because inhaling the aroma has an effect on the limbic system, and thus affects brain activity directly!
There are different essential oils for medicinal purposes, household uses, perfumery, cosmetics, flavors, fragrances, and spiritual practices.
Aromatherapy
You can use them in aromatherapy to both relax and energize. Thus, when choosing an essential oil, select one suitable for your particular purposes. Do you want to relax? Are you feeling a bit sleepy and need a pick me up? There’s an oil perfectly suited for your needs.
Oils like lavender are great for relaxation when you’re in a calm environment but may cause drowsiness if used while driving or at work. If you’re looking for an oil to help with focus or concentration, try peppermint or If you’re feeling stressed out, try some bergamot oil, as it helps relieve anxiety and stress and can improve your mood.
So, If you’re ready to start using essential oils, there are a few popular methods. And as always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any oil:
- Use a store-bought oil diffuser.
- Pour your essential oil onto a cotton ball. Keep a cotton ball soaked in a few drops of essential oil close to you (but avoid direct skin contact). In 2021, I passed through emergency surgery, and after that, in the recovery room, the nurse used a cotton ball soaked in essential oils to help me with my nausea. It was great!
- Use an oil burner with a tealight candle for a bit of ambience.
- You can also make a room spray. Just combine a few drops of your favorite oil with 3 tablespoons of distilled water and 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and pour your solution into an atomizer or spray bottle. I’d recommend adding about 10 drops of essential oil to every ounce of spray solution and only use amber glass bottles.
- Or you can use a personal inhaler. Just add a few drops of your essential oil to the inhaler sponge and remember to keep the inhaler well-sealed while you are not using it. Below is the photo of my personal inhaler.
Stress Management
Stress-relieving essential oils are known for improving mood and relieving stress.
Roman Chamomile, for example, ha calming effect. Also, in skincare, it has calming and toning properties.
When choosing which oil is suitable for you and your needs, consider what kind of stress you’re experiencing.
Are you anxious or feeling worn down?
Do you need a boost in focus or energy?
Pick an oil that will help combat these specific issues while promoting a sense of peace and calm at the same time.
Cleaning And Improving Your Home Environment
Cleaning products can have harmful ingredients that create a lot of issues. Essential oils offer an alternative way to clean your home without putting your health and your family at risk.
Lavender makes an excellent natural cleaner because it has antiseptic properties, it’s non-toxic and nonirritating. This makes it ideal for removing stains and smells from clothing, linens, and hard surfaces around your home, such as toilets.
Lemon and the other citrus oils are other excellent options that clean and disinfect surfaces in addition to refreshening garbage cans or rooms in which you are trying to get rid of odors. Just add a few drops of oil directly to a cotton ball or pad and drop it in the bottom of your trash can.
Orange also works as a deodorizer because it has powerful anti-bacterial properties.
Learn about The Best Natural, Nontoxic Cleaning Products for Your Home Here
But, please be attention if you have young kids and household pets, surfaces need to be fully dry before allowing pets into rooms after cleaning.
DIY Products with Essential Oil
There are tons of DIY projects you can do around your home to save money.
For example, instead of buying expensive lotions and cosmetics, why not create your own? With just a few simple steps, you can begin making your own Shea Butter Lotion Bar, Cleaning Products, or eczema relief cream (LINKS).
These homemade products will save you time and money, but they’ll also benefit your skin by being better tailored to its specific needs! And they’re all nature too!
Example from: The Best Natural, Non-Toxic Cleaning Products for Your Home Article
Orange Toilet Bombs
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- Measure cups
- A mold of your choice
- 1 Spray Bottle
Materials
- ½ cup Baking soda
- ¼ cup Citric acid
- 15 drops Orange Essential Oil
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients
- Spray 2-3 times with water
- Mix again until all the moisture is absorbed
- Repeat it a few times, but make sure you don’t add too much water – if you do, the final product will be weak and crumbly
- The final consistency is a bit similar to pie dough
- Pack firmly into silicon molds or any desired mold
- Let it dry for 12 hours. Once dry, pop out of molds.
- Store in a glass container with a lid until ready to use
Notes
Photosensitivity
Sorry, but you won’t be able to enjoy the sunshine if you’re using some products (intended to stay on the skin, such as lotions, lip balms, or moisturizers! ) made with essential oils that can trigger photosensitization.
Many essential oils can trigger photosensitization. Did you know that? The skin becomes hypersensitive to ultraviolet rays, typically from sunlight. As a result, itching, redness, blisters, burns, and permanent skin discoloration can occur when exposed to the sun. So, it’s important not to expose your skin to direct U.V. sunlight for 12-24 hours after using some oils.
Which Essential Oils are Photosensitive?
Common Name | Botanical Name |
Angelica root | Angelica archangelica |
Bergamot | Citrus bergamia |
Grapefruit (expressed) | Citrus paradisi |
Lemon (expressed) | Citrus limonum |
Lime (expressed) | Citrus aurantifolia |
Lemon Verbena | Lippia citriodora |
Mandarin | Citrus reticulata |
Rue | Ruta graveolens |
P.S. – Not all citrus essential oils are photosensitive! For Example:
- Bergamot FCF free (furocoumarin free – because furocoumarin is the substance known to cause the phototoxicity in oils) ;
- Steam-distilled grapefruit, Lemon, and Lime are safe to use!
Conclusion
When using an essential oil, consider what you are diffusing and be mindful of those who could be sensitive.
Always consider patch testing first and discontinue use if irritation occurs. If skin irritation occurs, cease using the product immediately and wash the affected area with soap and water. Consult your physician if irritation persists.
Consult a medical professional before using on children under 2 years old or if you are pregnant or nursing.
Use appropriate dilution when applying topically, as concentrated oils may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.
Please ensure proper storage procedures are followed when storing products containing your oils and keep them away from children & pets to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
Keep out of reach of children and do not ingest!
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For further reading, I’d suggest perusing this study about The Beneficial Effects of Essential Oils in Anti-Obesity Treatment.
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See You on Next Post
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Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5456241/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8431140/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7309671/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125361/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8584325/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8303840/
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Addison Wyatt