Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in plants. They have powerful therapeutic properties and are used for various health benefits and medicinal purposes. These special oils are highly concentrated; that's why you need to use them with extra care. Now that you know what an essential oil is, find out what types of essential oils exist, which health benefits they offer and how to use them. Using an essential oil as part of your skin care routine is a great zero waste alternative as it's all natural and comes in a glass bottle packaging which is easily recyclable. 

Types of natural essential oils

Natural essential oils are volatile, aromatic compounds that are extracted from different parts of plants. These days they are also derived from hemp plant as it has a lot of medicinal benefits. They include common oils like clove, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, lemon and many more. Natural essential oils are extremely concentrated and are often called volatile oils because they evaporate quickly at room temperature. Natural essential oils are often found in foods and are the reason behind the aromas of different herbs and spices, like black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, and ginger. Synthetic essential oils are derived from chemical reactions, not from plants. There are only a few synthetic essential oils, as the process to create them is extremely expensive and difficult.

Uses

The medicinal properties of essential oils are believed to be beneficial for mental, emotional and physical health. They are often used in aromatherapy and natural skincare, either alone or in combination with other ingredients. Essential oils have many uses such as: - Better sleep - Lavender and other essential oils can help people relax and fall asleep faster. - Stress relief - Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, peppermint, and sandalwood essential oils can help relieve stress and anxiety. - Digestive issues - Ginger, clove, fennel, and peppermint essential oils can help with an upset stomach. - Headache and migraines - Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary essential oils can help relieve a headache or migraine. - Immune system support - Basil, geranium, lavender, lemon, and thyme essential oils can help boost your immune system. - Mental focus and emotional balance - Basil, lavender, and peppermint essential oils can help improve mental focus and emotional balance.

Health benefits

- Basil - Basil is an excellent source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K. It can help fight inflammation, heart diseases and diabetes. 

- Black Pepper - It is a great source of Vitamin B2 and Vitamin C, which are important for the functioning of the brain and the nervous system.It can help reduce stress and anxiety, prevent cancer, and improve immunity. 

- Cedarwood - Cedarwood is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, and minerals like iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. It can help protect against infections, reduce stress, improve mood, and promote mental health. 

- Chamomile - Chamomile is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, B, C, and E. It can help treat digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, and promote a healthy immune system. 

- Cinnamon - Cinnamon is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. It can help treat heart diseases, diabetes, and improve cognitive function. 

- Clove - Clove is a great source of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins like Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. It can help prevent heart diseases, tooth decay, and promote a healthy immune system. 

- Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus is a great source of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins like Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. It can help treat respiratory issues, infections, and improve mental function. 

- Ginger - Ginger is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, and E. It can help treat digestive issues, joint pain, and boost immunity. 

- Grapefruit - Grapefruit is a great source of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, and E. It can help prevent heart diseases and promote a healthy immune system. 

- Lemon - Lemon is a great source of Vitamin C, which is an excellent antioxidant. It can help prevent heart diseases, infections, promote healthy teeth, and improve brain function. 

- Lemon Essential Oil - Lemon essential oil is a powerful antibiotic that can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can help prevent infections, promote a healthy immune system, and help treat digestive issues. 

- Lemongrass - Lemongrass is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. It can help treat digestive issues, heart diseases, and boost immunity. 

- Lime - Lime is a great source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that promotes a healthy immune system. It can help prevent heart diseases, tooth decay, and promote healthy skin. 

- Mandarin - Mandarin is a great source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that promotes a healthy immune system. It can help prevent heart diseases, tooth decay, and promote healthy skin. 

- Peppermint - Peppermint is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. It can help treat digestive issues, mental health issues, and boost immunity. 

- Rose - Rose is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. It can help treat mental health issues, respiratory issues, and boost immunity. 

- Rosemary - Rosemary is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. It can help treat respiratory issues, boost mental function, and improve memory. 

- Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemary essential oil is a rich source of antioxidants and cineole, an active ingredient that has many health benefits. It can help promote a healthy immune system, protect against infections, and reduce stress. 

- Sage - Sage is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. It can help treat digestive issues, respiratory issues, and boost immunity. - Sandalwood - Sandalwood is a great source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and C. It can help prevent heart diseases, boost immunity, and promote a healthy nervous system.

How to use essential oils?

Find out which essential oil you want to use and look for its recommended uses and application methods. Always read the instructions carefully, and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Essential oils are generally applied in 3 ways - via diffuser, by applying to skin, or inhaling. - Diffuser - Use a diffuser so that you can distribute the oil into the air and inhale the smell. You can either add a few drops of oil to the diffuser or put the entire bottle inside the diffuser. - Carrier Oil - You can mix an essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil, and then apply it to your skin. This will help your skin retain the benefits of the oil even after you wash it off. - Inhalation - You can also breathe in the smell of the essential oil, but this option is not as effective as the others.

Warnings and precautions before using essential oils

As essential oils are potent, you need to use them with care, especially if you are a new user. Always use natural essential oils, and do not use synthetic ones. Make sure you read the label carefully and select a brand with a good reputation. Never ingest essential oils, and do not put them straight on your skin, without doing a patch test first.