Essential Oils Near Me

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FAQs:

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are made from parts of certain plants like leaves, seeds, bark, roots, and rinds. Makers use different methods to concentrate them into oils. You may add them to vegetable oils, creams, or bath gels. Or you might smell them, rub them on your skin, or put them in your bath. Some research shows that they can be helpful if you know how to use them the right way. Always check the label and ask your doctor if you’re unsure if they’re OK for you to use.

How Do Essential Oils Work?

Essential oils are most commonly used in the practice of aromatherapy, in which they are inhaled through various methods. Essential oils are not meant to be swallowed. The chemicals in essential oils can interact with your body in several ways. When applied to your skin, some plant chemicals are absorbed. It’s thought that certain application methods can improve absorption, such as applying with heat or to different areas of the body. However, research in this area is lacking. Inhaling the aromas from essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell, and long-term memory. Interestingly, the limbic system is heavily involved in forming memories. This can partly explain why familiar smells can trigger memories or emotions. The limbic system also plays a role in controlling several unconscious physiological functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. As such, some people claim that essential oils can exert a physical effect on your body. However, this has yet to be confirmed in studies.

What are Essential Oils Good for?

Although people claim essential oils are natural remedies for many ailments, there's not enough research to determine their effectiveness in human health. Results of lab studies are promising — one at Johns Hopkins found that certain essential oils could kill a type of Lyme bacteria better than antibiotics — but results in human clinical trials are mixed.

Some studies indicate that there's a benefit to using essential oils while others show no improvement in symptoms. Clinical trials have looked at whether essential oils can alleviate conditions such as:

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Nausea

- Insomnia

- Low appetite

- Dry mouth

What is Lavender Essential Oils Good for?

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy. Distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, the oil promotes relaxation and is believed to treat anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps. In essential oil practices, lavender is a multipurpose oil. It is purported to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, as well as antispasmodic, analgesic, detoxifying, hypotensive, and sedative effects.

Do Essential Oils Work?

The National Institute of Health provides a thorough summary via the US National Library of Medicine of research conducted into the efficacy of essential oils. Currently, there is no evidence-backed research showing any illnesses that can be cured through the use of essential oils or the practice of aromatherapy. The results on the other possible benefits of essential oils, for example, mood elevators or stress relievers, are more mixed. But most are still inconclusive.

One of the scientific studies that have revealed positive results from essential oils involves patients with dementia. Although, contrary to common lore, drinking a tablespoon of fish oil every day won’t likely stave off dementia, there is evidence that balm from lemon oil reduces agitation in patients with dementia according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. There are other proven success stories for essential oils, such as the treatment of acne with tea tree oil and the treatment of alopecia areata or hair loss with oils like thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood.

Research into the use of essential oils found in citrus fruits is particularly intriguing due to their natural antibacterial qualities. For example, citrus oil, particularly when combined with Dead Sea salts, was shown to inhibit bacterial growth in mice and act as an anti-inflammatory agent. The citrus essential oil bergamot could help fight the growth of common causes of food poisoning like listeria, e coli, and staphylococcus.

Are Essential Oils Safe?

Most essential oils are safe and free of adverse side effects when used properly. However, as with any substance you are introducing into your body, it is important to use them intelligently. We recommend that you never eat or drink essential oils. You should pay attention to the following factors.

Dosage

The dose is the most important factor in essential oil safety. Some essential oils used in the wrong doses or too high a concentration have been found (in animal and laboratory studies) to contribute to tumor development and other harmful changes in the body. Some essential oils can even be damaging to the skin, liver, and other organs if used improperly.

Purity

Sometimes essential oils are altered by adding synthetic chemicals or other, similar smelling, essential oils or they are sometimes diluted with vegetable oil. Look for language indicating purity on the label. It is not necessarily bad if the label indicates, for example, that the bottle contains 20% essential oil and 80% vegetable oil. This is sometimes done so that popular but expensive oils like rose or neroli (that can cost over $100 per teaspoon when pure) can be made more affordable. If you think you are starting with 100% essential oil and you are not, however, you may be disappointed with the results. On the other hand, if you are starting with professional quality essential oils, which are generally much more concentrated, you need to dilute them to be safe.

Application method

An essential oil that is safe when applied in one way may not be safe when used in another way. Some oils are considered safe if inhaled, and yet may be irritating if applied to the skin in concentrations as low as 3-5%. Thyme, oregano, clove, and cinnamon bark essential oils are examples of this. Several citrus oils, such as bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, and angelica, can cause phototoxicity (severe burns or skin cancer) if there is exposure to natural sunlight or sun-bed radiation following skin applications, whereas this would not result from inhalation. Be sure to clarify the recommended application method and concentration for the essential oil and intended use. And once again, don't ingest oils without professional guidance.

Possible drug interactions

There is little published research on interactions between pharmaceutical drugs and essential oils. Given the complex chemistry of essential oils, however, it makes sense that this is possible or even likely. As with dietary supplements and herbs, it is important to discuss regular essential oil use with your healthcare provider and together assess any potential risks and benefits. For example, studies indicate that peppermint and eucalyptus oils increase the skin absorption of 5-fluorouracil, an anti-cancer drug.

What are the Best Essential Oils for Sleep And Relaxation?

Here’s a quick look at the best essential oils for better sleep:

- Lavender

- Chamomile

- Bergamot

- Cedarwood

- Valerian

- Ylang ylang

- Eucalyptus

- Peppermint

Essential oils have a wide range of uses. Many people swear by the benefits of these concentrated plant extracts for anxiety and stress relief, improved mood and concentration, pain relief, clearer skin, and more. People also commonly use essential oil compounds to promote relaxation and sleep.

You may not be conscious of it, but sleep is one of the most important ways you spend your time. Without enough quality sleep, your brain and body don’t get the time they need to rest, recover, and prepare for the day to come.

If you experience insomnia or find yourself regularly lying awake for other reasons, you’ll eventually start to notice some effects of sleep deprivation. Over time, sleep loss can have a serious impact on your health.

Not everyone finds essential oils helpful. Still, people who prefer to avoid over-the-counter sleep aids often find that aromatherapy, or the therapeutic use of these compounds, offers a natural way to improve sleep.

What Essential Oils Are Good for Pain?

There is an enormous selection of wonderful aromatherapy oils on the market, so it is important to know which ones are suitable for your pain. You may like to try out several of them to see which ones you prefer, as the more you like the aroma, the more beneficial they are likely to be. Note: always check that there are no contra-indications to use. The following aromatherapy oils are known to ameliorate pain, including back and shoulder pain:

Peppermint Oil

One of Mother Nature’s most powerful painkillers, peppermint oil is frequently used for alleviating pain.

Wintergreen Oil

Closely related to peppermint, wintergreen oil boasts similar properties due to its methyl salicylate component.

Eucalyptus Oil

With its well-known anti-inflammatory benefits, this aromatherapy favorite can promote an analgesic effect in the joints and muscles.

Ginger Oil

Renowned for its anti-inflammatory benefits, a 2016 study showed its positive effect on rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass can be instrumental in reducing inflammation and pain, although, at the present time, only limited research with mice has highlighted its noteworthy anti-inflammatory properties.

Lavender Oil

Known as the star of aromatherapy, one clinical review of lavender oil indicates that it: can help alleviate headaches and muscle pain. Such benefits may transfer to back pain as well.

Roman/German Chamomile Oils

These popular oils are known to help reduce overall inflammation and muscle spasms. Note: do not use if you suffer from a ragweed allergy, as the plants derive from the same family.

Sandalwood Oil

The anti-inflammatory properties of sandalwood oil have: been studied for their similar effects to over-the-counter medications. Reducing inflammation in the back with sandalwood oil could possibly decrease pain, as well.

Rosemary Oil

Boasting clinically proven benefits, rosemary oil has been shown to reduce pain in rheumatic disorders. Moreover: “such anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects may also be helpful for back pain.

Where to Apply Essential Oils for Anxiety?

Topical Application: Essential oils can be applied to the skin, but they should always be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) to prevent skin irritation. Apply the mixture to pulse points such as the wrists, temples, or behind the ears. The warmth of your body helps release the scent.

What Essential Oils are Good for Sore Throat?

The antibacterial and antiviral properties of essential oils make them a good alternative medicine for battling the infection that’s causing your sore throat. Their immunostimulatory properties will boost your overall system and they may help to stop the infection in its tracks, preventing a simple sore throat from turning into a full-blown illness. Our list of essential oils for sore throats features several well-known oils that are all reliable and can make a difference if you purchase them from a reputable supplier.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is one of the most popular essential oils to diffuse sore throats and for good reason. The leaves of this tree have long been used as an antiseptic to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. More recent research has revealed that eucalyptus essential oil can also be effective when treating the kinds of respiratory tract infections that give you a sore throat. This essential oil is capable of antimicrobial action and it’s very effective against the kinds of sore throats that are caused by staph and strep, which are both types of gram-positive bacteria.

Lavender

Although lavender essential oil is most famous for its anti-depressant and relaxing effects, its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good essential oil for sore throats too. This flowering plant has antimicrobial properties that fight against the bacteria responsible for your sore throat and potentially even against influenza. And the fact that it will make you less tense, boost your mood, and help you sleep better are added benefits to using this oil for a sore throat.

Lemon

Many throat medicines contain lemon, and aromatherapists often rely on lemon essential oil as a natural analgesic. It’s effective at combating depression and stress and boosts your body’s ability to cleanse toxins. It also stimulates lymph drainage, working to rejuvenate your energy levels and purify your skin. Lemon oil is created using the skin of this fruit and it’s an excellent essential oil for a sore throat. This is because it’s not just antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, but it’s also high in vitamin C. Plus, it stimulates your saliva glands and assists with keeping your throat moist.

Peppermint

The peppermint plant contains menthol, an essential ingredient in many medicines that alleviate the pain of a sore throat. This is why peppermint essential oil is such a popular choice for treating this condition as well as coughs and colds in general. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties make it a very effective treatment among essential oils for sore throats. When you use peppermint for sore throat discomfort, you’ll feel it working immediately as it opens up and cools your airways, helps relieve your sore throat symptoms, and inhibits the growth of the pathogens responsible for your illness. Peppermint for sore throat can work alongside gentamicin, an antibiotic, and it has antiseptic as well as antioxidant properties. It’s effective for treating dry mouth, halitosis, and sore throats.

Tea Tree

Due to its antiseptic properties, tea tree essential oil is frequently used for a range of oral problems, including gum infections. This is what makes it so effective when combating oral pathogens. Tea tree oil causes a loss of the integrity of cell membranes in certain pathogens, so consider it in combination with other effective oils if you’re suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection.

Oregano and Thyme

Although Origanum vulgare has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat a range of illnesses including oregano oil for sore throat, oil of oregano (aka oregano essential oil) has gained popularity in recent years for many uses, one of them being fighting off infections, especially upper respiratory tract infections. Oregano oil’s main active compound is carvacrol, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and pain reliever and has antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Thyme oil is also rich in the active compound carvacrol, and many studies that find oregano oil effective for a sore throat, respiratory tract infection or killing germs also find thyme oil effective. Because it’s very potent and can have a burning sensation when applied to mucous membranes, it’s best used well diluted and in combination with other effective essential oils for sore throat.

Cinnamon

Perhaps unsuspectingly because it’s usually thought of in terms of desserts, the cinnamon essential oil is a powerful antimicrobial. It has especially interesting effects against viral colds and flu as well as fungal infections of the respiratory tract. Diffusing cinnamon might help reduce viral attachment and a resulting sore throat in the first place if you breathe it in.

A Brief History of Essential Oils

The first use of essential oils is believed to go back to pre-historic times when they were used to create paintings on the walls of caves. Next to claim the use of essential oils were Egyptians as far back as 4500 BC. Cleopatra's beauty has been attributed to her spa treatments featuring essential oils and salt from the Dead Sea. In addition to adornment, Egyptians harnessed these powerful oils to create tinctures, powders, salves, and ointments to be used in medicinal treatments and spiritual ceremonies.

Moving ahead in time to 2597 BC, Huang Ti, The Yellow Emperor of China, was recorded using essential oils during his reign. He wrote a book on medicine including the use of aromatics. This book is still used today by those practicing Eastern medicine.

Next, we travel to India where literature from 2000 BC references the use of oils in Ayurvedic (or Ayurveda) healthcare. "Ayur" means life and "Veda" means knowledge. This word with Sanskrit roots is a natural healing system that incorporates spiritual, philosophical, and practical elements using essential oils as the core element. The Veda, India's most sacred book of hymns and religious texts, references over 700 uses of herbs and aromatics for healing and religious purposes. Even today, Ayurvedic traditions are gaining popularity in the U.S. and Canada.

In continuation of the theme of holy books, the Bible references essential oils in the Old and New Testaments. A well-known reference in the book of Exodus provides the recipe for holy anointing oil which included cinnamon, clove, cassia, olive oil, and spikenard.

In the Middle Ages, the use of essential oils was considered to be decadent and inappropriate by the Catholic Church, causing the knowledge of oils to be kept secret by Monks. Those caught using the oils were accused of witchcraft and sentenced to banishment or death. Moving forward to the 1600s, knowledge of the use of essential oils was restored, as writings were distributed about its many purposes. By the 1800s essential oils were prescribed by pharmacists for a variety of illnesses. In 1910, a fluke discovery was made that lavender oil heals burns after a chemist accidentally burned his hands in a lab explosion. This discovery led to the antiseptic use of essential oils for war wound treatments.

As time has continued to the modern day, the use of essential oils has become more widely known as they are published in books and readily available online within seconds of a Google search. Throughout history, mankind has used essential oils for medicinal, spiritual, aromatic, and beauty purposes. One can only imagine what discoveries and additional uses essential oils have in store for us in the future.

How Essential Oils Are Extracted

It is important to know something about how essential oils are extracted because oils from the same plant extracted in different ways can result in very different products.

1. Steam Distillation

In this method, steam is directed through the plant material. The steam vaporizes the lighter chemicals contained within the plant material. The steam is then condensed through a cooling process. This process generates two products: essential oil, which contains oil-soluble molecules, and a hydrolat or hydrosol, which contains water-soluble molecules. Rose water is one of the best-known and most widely-used hydrosols worldwide, with many cosmetic and culinary uses. In fact, in the past, rose petals were distilled as much for their hydrosol as their essential oil. Some essential oils, like rose oil (rose otto), smell different from the flowers from which they were obtained because the heat of distillation alters some of the chemicals that give them their distinctive smell.

2. Expression

Expression is used to extract essential oils from citrus fruits. Expression is the process of grating or scraping the peel of citrus fruit to release the oils. For example, when zesting a lemon, the scent of lemon rises into the air because the volatile oils have been released from sacs found in the peel. In the process of essential oil expression, care is taken to capture the oil. Expression does not involve heating; thus, the chemistry of citrus essential oils is not heat-altered and citrus oils smell very similar to the fruits from which they come.

3. Supercritical C02 Extraction

In supercritical C02 extraction, carbon dioxide is used as a solvent. It is added and eliminated to produce a high-grade extract that is very close to the composition of the natural raw material. C02 extracts are different from distilled oils in that they contain a wider range of chemical molecules found in the plant material. You might find essential oils obtained by both distillation and C02 extraction from the same plant species. They would be chemically different; therefore, they may have different therapeutic qualities as well as different safety factors to take into account.

10 Important Essential Oils to Have

Essential oils are used extensively in aromatherapy and various traditional medicinal systems and have been used for thousands of years. Due to the numerous health benefits of essential oils, they are increasingly being explored by the scientific community for the treatment of a variety of diseases including cancer, HIV, asthma, bronchitis, heart strokes, and many more. There are more than 90 essential oils, and each has its own health benefits, and below is a list of 10 basic essential oils that you should have on hand.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Distilled from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifloria, tea tree is one of the oils that can be used topically because it’s great for treating skin problems like fungus and blemishes. You can dab it on acne blemishes with a cotton swab to help clear your skin or apply it to skin fungal infections like athlete’s foot. It’s also found in many skin care products.

2. Lavender Oil

Lavender is one of the most versatile oils.  It is most commonly known for its relaxing effects but works on bruises, cuts, and skin irritation too.  Dr. Oz says that the scent of lavender can reduce the levels of stress hormones in your blood. That’s a good reason to put a few drops in your bath in order to help you relax at night. It is also recommended that you put a couple of drops of the oil on your hands, rub them together and inhale, then sprinkle a few more on your pillow before you hop in bed.

3. Calendula

Bright-orange calendula flowers are also known as marigolds. Calendula can be used in a variety of forms, including as an essential oil. It’s particularly good for sensitive skin and can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars. You can also put a drop in your bath water to soothe psoriasis.

4. Chamomile

You’re probably familiar with chamomile used as a tea, but the essential oil has similar properties. It’s particularly well known for its relaxing effects, which is why the tea is popular to drink before bed. Add to the effect with a few drops of the oil on your pillowcase.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint purifies and stimulates the mind. It also can increase mental alertness. Dr. William N. Denver of the University of Cincinnati found that inhaling peppermint oil increased mental accuracy by 28 percent. Peppermint oil is also one of just a handful of oils that can be taken internally, which is fortunate because it’s a great recipe to help indigestion — just mix a few drops in water and drink.

6. Frankincense

Frankincense is used both for relaxation, such as in baths, and to help minor cuts and bug bites heal more quickly.  Frankincense has been used for thousands of years and can help with depression, inflammation, immunity, and increase spiritual awareness.

7. Oregano

You may have heard of the oil of oregano as a flu fighter. This strong-tasting oil has naturally antibacterial qualities, which is why many think it can help to fight colds and other sicknesses. It is taken topically, often by putting a few drops on the tongue — the taste isn’t pleasant but many people swear by it during flu season.

8. Lemon

Lemon oil can be used not only to detox the body but it can also help with acne.  If you want a healthy boost in alertness, a bit of lemon oil mixed 50:50 with a carrier is a great way to give your head a lift. Because of its uplifting properties, lemon essential oil is also good for increasing focus and concentration. As a bonus, it can help keep fleas away when used on your pets.

9. Grapefruit

Another citrus oil, grapefruit essential oil has properties similar to lemon oil. It’s a great choice for people experiencing fatigue and it can help you deal with the effects of jet lag. It’s also a natural antiseptic so you can add it to your homemade household cleansers to keep your home safe and clean.

10. Eucalyptus

This is a great oil to have on hand if you get frequent colds or suffer from allergies that affect your breathing and make you congested.   Eucalyptus can be used to relieve sore muscles and help clear sinuses, and it also has many antibacterial properties and has been known to stimulate the immune system.  Use it in a vaporizer to loosen up a congested chest or apply it diluted to the inside of your nose to relieve nasal congestion. But never ingest it or use it on your skin undiluted, as it can be irritating.

How to Use Essential Oils

There are several ways to enjoy essential oils:

1. Add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz on your pillow and sheets

2. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball, then put the cotton ball in your car's air vents

3. Put a few drops in your bathtub

4. Rub oil on your pulse points

5. Take a quick whiff from the bottle whenever needed

6. Use an oil diffuser or vaporizer

7. Wear jewelry specifically designed to diffuse essential oils

Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used in aromatherapy, a kind of complementary medicine that uses smell to improve your health, or applied topically to the skin.

Studies have shown that essential oils may help:

- Boost mood.

- Improve job performance through reduced stress and increased attentiveness.

- Improve sleep.

- Kill bacteria, funguses, and viruses.

- Reduce anxiety and pain.

- Reduce inflammation.

- Reduce nausea.

- Relieve headaches.

Dos and Don'ts of Essential Oils

Here are some dos and don’ts of essential oils:

DO Try It if You’re Anxious

Simple smells such as lavender, chamomile, and rosewater may help keep you calm. You can breathe in or rub diluted versions of these oils on your skin. Scientists think they work by sending chemical messages to parts of the brain that affect mood and emotion. Although these scents alone won’t take all your stress away, the aroma may help you relax.

DON’T Just Rub Them Anywhere

Oils that are fine on your arms and legs may not be safe to put inside your mouth, nose, eyes, or private parts. Lemongrass, peppermint, and cinnamon bark are some examples.

DO Check the Quality

Look for a trusted producer that makes pure oils without anything added. You’re more likely to have an allergic reaction to oils that have other ingredients. Not all extras are bad. Some added vegetable oil may be normal for certain more expensive essential oils.

DON’T Trust Buzzwords

Just because it’s from a plant doesn’t mean it’s safe to rub on your skin, breathe, or eat, even if it’s “pure.” Natural substances can be irritating, toxic, or cause allergic reactions. Like anything else you put on your skin, it’s best to test a little bit on a small area and see how your skin responds.

DO Toss Out Older Oils

In general, don’t keep them for more than 3 years. Older oils are more likely to be spoiled because of exposure to oxygen. They may not work as well and could irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. If you see a big change in the way an oil looks, feels, or smells, you should throw it out, because it has probably spoiled.

DON’T Put Edible Oils On Your Skin

Cumin oil, which is safe to use in your food, can cause blisters if you put it on your skin.  Citrus oils that are safe in your food may be bad for your skin, especially if you go out into the sun. And the opposite is true, too. Eucalyptus or sage oil may soothe you if you rub it on your skin or breathe it in. But swallowing them could cause a serious complication, like a seizure.

DO Tell Your Doctor

Your doctor can make sure it’s safe for you and rule out any side effects, like affecting your prescriptions. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus oils may change how your body absorbs the cancer drug 5-fluorouracil from the skin. Or an allergic reaction may cause rashes, hives, or breathing problems.

DO Dilute Them

Undiluted oils are too strong to use straight. You’ll need to dilute them, usually with vegetable oils or creams or bath gels, to a solution that only has a little bit -- 1% to 5% -- of the essential oil. Exactly how much can vary. The higher the percentage, the more likely you are to react, so it’s important to mix them correctly.

DON’T Use On Damaged Skin

Injured or inflamed skin will absorb more oil and may cause unwanted skin reactions. Undiluted oils, which you shouldn’t use at all, can be downright dangerous on damaged skin.

DO Consider Age

Young children and the elderly may be more sensitive to essential oils. So you may need to dilute them more. And you should avoid some oils, like birch and wintergreen. In even small amounts, may cause serious problems in kids 6 or younger because they contain a chemical called methyl salicylate. Don’t use essential oils on a baby unless your pediatrician says it’s OK.

DON’T Forget to Store Them Safely

They can be very concentrated and may cause serious health problems, especially if used at the wrong dose or in the wrong way. Just like anything else that little hands shouldn’t be able to reach, don't make your essential oils too handy. If you have young children, keep all essential oils locked away out of their sight and reach.  

DO Stop Use if Your Skin Reacts

Your skin might love essential oils. But if it doesn’t -- and you notice a rash, little bumps, boils, or just itchy skin -- take a break. More of the same oil can make it worse. Whether you mixed it yourself or it’s an ingredient in a ready-made cream, oil, or aromatherapy product, gently wash it off with water.

DO Choose Your Therapist Carefully

If you look for a professional aromatherapist, do your homework.  By law, they don’t have to have training or a license. But you can check to see if yours went to a school certified by professional organizations like National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

DON’T Overdo It

More of a good thing is not always good. Even when diluted, essential oil can cause a bad reaction if you use too much or use it too often. That’s true even if you’re not allergic or unusually sensitive to them.

DON’T Be Afraid to Try Them

Used the right way, they can help you feel better with few side effects. For example, you may feel less nauseated from chemotherapy cancer treatment if you breathe in ginger vapors. You may be able to fight certain bacterial or fungal infections, including the dangerous MRSA bacteria, with tea tree oil. In one study, tea tree oil was as effective as a prescription antifungal cream in easing symptoms of a fungal foot infection.

DO Take Care if Pregnant

Some essential massage oils may make their way into the placenta, an organ in your uterus that grows along with your baby and helps to nourish it. It’s not clear if this causes any problems unless you take toxic amounts, but to be safe, it’s best to avoid certain oils if you’re pregnant. Those include wormwood, rue, oak moss, Lavandula stoechas, camphor, parsley seed, sage, and hyssop. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.

How Long Should You Diffuse Essential Oils?

The main goal for diffusing is to fill a room with essential oil molecules so you can enjoy the benefits listed above but without overwhelming the area or your nose with scent. Many trained aromatherapists suggest diffusing for 30 minutes at a time. However, if you look around online, especially on social media, you’re going to find that there are people who advocate diffusing all day every day. There are some definite problems with the thoughts of diffusing all day every day. First, this much diffusion can increase your chances of having a sensitivity reaction to essential oil. If you experience a sensitivity reaction, you may find that you are no longer able to use the oil you’ve become sensitive to at all. Second, diffusing constantly is a waste of essential oils because they aren’t going to provide any additional benefit, and you’re going to become nose blind to the scent so you won’t even be enjoying the aroma anymore.

What is the Difference Between Essential Oils and Aromatic Oils?

The first and most important difference is the presence of properties, all the properties that you can find in the essential oils, are not in the aroma oils, since the aroma oils are only used to distribute a pleasant scent.

But other differences start with the first:

1. Essential oils are used to improve both mental and physical health. Aroma oils are not.

2. The aroma oils are made with chemical ingredients, while all the ingredients that are used to prepare the essential oils are natural.

3. Essential oils have a lot of uses, and you can use them in warm baths, candles, or diffusers, but in case of the scented oils, you only can find them like aroma oil diffusers or scent oil diffusers.

4. The aroma oils are cheaper than the essential oils, and the bottle can be transparent and plastic, but this is not the case with the essential oil, so you must keep it in a dark glass bottle to avoid spoiling it.

How to Find Quality Essential Oils

The most important thing to consider when shopping for essential oils is product quality. But figuring out which oils are the best is challenging since no government agency in the U.S. provides a grading system or certification for essential oils. A big problem? Many companies claim their essential oils are "therapeutic grade," but that's just a marketing term.

Unfortunately, there are lots of products you might find online or in stores that aren't harvested correctly or may have something in them that isn't listed on the label. Here are some tips to help you shop for pure essential oils:

1. Look at the label: It should include the Latin name of the plant, information on purity or other ingredients added to it, and the country in which the plant was grown.

2. Evaluate the company: Purchase products from a well-known and reputable aromatherapy company that's been around for several years.

3. Choose dark-colored, glass containers: Pure essential oils are highly concentrated. They can dissolve plastic bottles over time, tainting the oil. Most companies package essential oils in small brown or blue glass bottles to protect the quality.

4. Avoid "fragrance oils": Fragrance or perfume oils are made from essential oils combined with chemicals or entirely from chemicals. They're not suitable for aromatherapy — instead, look for bottles that contain a single essential oil in its purest form (100% essential oil with no other fillers).

5. Compare prices: Essential oils range in price, depending on how involved harvesting and production are. Within a line, there should be a wide variety of prices — rose absolute or sandalwood oils will be more expensive, while sweet orange oil will be on the less expensive end. If you find a rock-bottom price for an expensive essential oil, it probably isn't pure.

How to Choose and Find an Aromatherapist

You may wish to meet with a certified aromatherapist, especially when you’re first getting started with aromatherapy or if you have specific issues you’d like to address. You can find an aromatherapist by using an online directory. Or ask at a spa or yoga studio.

During a consultation with an aromatherapist, you’ll answer questions and talk about your lifestyle and health. Together, you can come up with an individual treatment plan to meet your goals and manage your symptoms. You may have a few sessions with your aromatherapist, or you could decide to have ongoing sessions for a longer period.

Since aromatherapy is a complementary therapy, you should talk to your doctor before starting your sessions. That way your essential oil therapy can be tailored to work together with any medical care or treatment you’re receiving.

There’s plenty of information available online and in books if you wish to treat yourself at home. There are also courses you can take to learn more about aromatherapy.

Consultations with an aromatherapist will vary depending on several factors, including where you live. You can expect to pay up to $100 for an initial consultation and up to $50 for follow-up consultations.

Sources:

WebMD

Healthline

Fresh Start

Piedmont

Cleveland Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Very Well Mind

Scientific American

Taking Charge

London Pain Clinic

Calmer You

Volant

Lebermuth

Loving Essential Oils

Purosentido

Taking Charge

 

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