Not all essential oils are created equal. They may be contaminated or not harvested properly, so you need to look for ones that are marked “Food Grade” by the FDA. Additionally, you should choose dark-colored glass bottles.
Many people use essential oils in cooking to add flavor and health benefits. Just make sure to dilute your oil before using it and follow the instructions on the label.
Versatility
As a result of their potent scents and therapeutic properties, essential oils are increasingly popular as natural remedies. These volatile liquids are extracted from a variety of plant parts, including flowers, leaves, bark, seeds, stems, roots and twigs. These are then used as a flavour enhancer, in perfumes and soaps, and as medicinal and pharmaceutical products.
Aside from their strong fragrances, essential oils have powerful antibacterial, antiviral and immune-boosting properties. For example, oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, compounds that can inhibit the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other bacterial pathogens.
Choose the right essential oils for your needs. Lavender oil has been found to reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation and sleep, while tea tree oil can help with acne and skin problems. Frankincense is an excellent choice for boosting immunity and supporting meditative moments. It can also be incorporated into skincare to boost radiance and promote cell turnover. Lastly, orange oil has antioxidant and antipathogenic properties.
Aromatherapy
Many essential oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin in massage or bath products. These aromatic plant compounds stimulate olfactory nerves in the nose that send messages to parts of the brain that control emotions. They can also help relieve stress and anxiety by making a room smell pleasant.
To get the best aromatherapy benefits, choose pure, high-quality essential oils. Look for labels that list the Latin name of the plant and its purity, as well as any other ingredients added to the oil. Buy from a company with a solid reputation for quality and choose dark-colored bottles to protect the oil from sunlight, which can degrade it.
Avoid applying essential oils directly to the skin unless they’ve been combined with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or olive oil. Undiluted essential oils can cause irritation and are potentially toxic if swallowed. Taking them by mouth can lead to liver or kidney damage and may interact with certain medications.
Health benefits
Essential oils are plant extracts with unique aromatic compounds that create a fragrance. They are used for aromatherapy, a practice that involves inhaling the scent of a plant to improve health and mood. These oils are also believed to have antimicrobial, antiviral, fungicidal and insecticidal properties.
However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and more research is needed. In addition, essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause serious side effects when ingested or applied to the skin.
It’s important to buy pure, high-quality oils from a trusted manufacturer. Look for the words “therapeutic grade” on the label to ensure the oil is safe and free of additives. Inhaling or rubbing undiluted oils on the skin can cause irritation and may even lead to a chemical burn. Some people can have allergic reactions to these oils, too. It’s also important to keep the oils out of reach of children, as they can be toxic if ingested.
Safety
Although many essential oils possess interesting biological properties, more research is needed in order to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of these substances in human subjects. Because they are highly concentrated, ingesting essential oils can cause a number of unpleasant side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. In addition, using some oils over extended periods of time may irritate the skin or respiratory system.
When used properly, however, essential oils can provide pleasant and safe aromatherapy and a range of health benefits. It’s important to choose a quality oil, one that has been extracted without the use of chemicals and is completely pure. Look for labels that state “100% pure” or “no added ingredients.”
Avoid vaping, as inhaling essential oil vapors can be irritating to the lungs and may cause asthmatic symptoms. Additionally, pregnant women and nursing mothers should consult a healthcare professional before using any essential oils, as some can cause unwanted uterine contractions. Moreover, certain oils can interact with pharmaceutical medications.
