
What Are Essential Oils and Do They Really Work?
If by now you haven’t jumped on the essential oil bandwagon… than what are ya waiting for??? Are you not sure it’s for you??? I was the same for a while. I ignored the hype and thought that’s for “those” people.. what people?? I don’t know lol… but I was kind of sure it wasn’t for me.
I just didn’t believe that they could do all that people said that they could and to be honest, I’m still not sure. BUT I can say that I have dibble dabble in it a bit and have some positive results that I am here to share.
So this post is for the super beginner that wants and needs to know just what essential oils are.
One thing for sure I can tell you right now is that not all oils are alike.
What Are Essential Oils and Do They Really Work?
Although essential oils have been getting quite popular in these recent years, they have actually been around for thousands of years. Essential oils have a wide range of uses and a great natural source to add to the home. Here is a little bit of information about the oils that have come to be known as nature’s pharmacy.
What Are They?
Essential oils are natural oils that are extracted from a plant or other source, and which retain the scent of the plant they come from. They are generally distilled.
Essential oils are used for a wide variety of purposes, from diffusing them for their fragrance, to applying and inhaling them in order to receive health benefits.
People have given anecdotal evidence of health problems that have been solved through the use of essential oils – from healing skin problems to reducing seasonal allergies and deterring insects. For many ailments, there are one or more oils that can help deal with the issue. There has been much anecdotal evidence of their benefits, as well as testing that shows them to be an effective way to deal with a myriad of issues.
How Do You Apply Them?
Essential oils are administered in three different ways. First, a person can inhale them aromatically. This can be done by using a diffuser and putting several drops of the particular essential oil into water, or just sniffing the oil directly from the bottle.
The second way is to apply them topically. There are a few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin, but a general rule if you are unsure is to first put a few drops into a carrier oil before applying. This can be anything from olive oil to coconut oil, as well as any other natural, pure carrier oil you have around the house.
The third way to use oils is by ingesting them. Not all oils can be ingested, and one must be careful to take them in a way that is safe. If you are ingesting an oil, or even applying it topically, you must be sure to find essential oils that are pure and organic when possible. Because they are highly concentrated, a little goes a long way and they should be used sparingly.
I personally have used all of the above methods. I use oils by diffusing which is one of my most common uses and feel like it sets the mood in the house by either increasing the peacefulness or serenity or bringing a sense of uplifting or refreshens. I use it to add to my hair and scalp treatments, I use to treat aches and pains on my body and I also use on my kids for different reasons that have all seem to be effective for my lifestyle. Which I’ll go more in depth in another post.
What Do People Use Them For?
Essential oils are used for a variety of purposes, from maintenance of general health and well-being, to first aid and adding natural scent to homemade body products. You can use essential oils in the diffuser to help you to get to sleep or stay alert. You can use them to help calm frazzled nerves, and to give your immune system a boost when needed.
The oils are useful when added to everything from DIY cleaning supplies to DIY skin products. They can be carried in your purse in order to help sanitize surfaces when out and about, and can help clean cuts and used in other minor accidents. You can use essential oils as bug repellent and to help heal sunburned skin.
There is no end to the ways they can be used – alone, in combination, and when added to other bases.
Is It okay for christian to use essential oils?
I’m sure I’m not the only christian that asked God this question and while I always say go to God directly for yourself but I will say for me that I do have peace about using them. Essential oils were used in the Bible for many things some being beauty and wellness. I do not worship essential oils or what they can do. I worship the one and only Creator, Maker of those oils, plants, and resources.
I find beauty in knowing that God is so amazing that He created a resource for healthier lifestyles in nature, in plants.
I believe that essential oils are beneficial to add to your cabinet. They have many uses for a variety of purposes, and can help you out in a pinch. Start with a few, and add more as you become familiar with using them on a daily basis.
Some that I recommend to start with are lemon oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and tea tree oil. I also included some of my go to. For simply earth, you can get a free box to try it out. I love them.
Here are a few of my favorite go to essential oil places to check out that I trust and have been effective for me and my kids.
Simply Earth– This is a subscription base company but they do have EO and products that can be brought separately. I have been receiving there box for about a year and I still look forward to getting them.. lol. It is my referral link which allows you to get the first month free.
Rocky Mountain Oils– I have been using rocky mountain for a while but I also like the other products they have to offer
Mountain Rose Herbs– This was one of the first places I order EO from and I love there website and they have so many resources, recipes, etc. I think you will love it too!
So I hope I filled the mystery gap for you and that you decide to try some EO. Make sure you follow me on instagram for EO recipes, etc. And to be clear, I am not an essential oil know it all or anything, I just simply know what’s working for us.
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Be Blessed!