For thousands of years, people have used essential oils for healing and beauty. They can be inhaled, applied to the skin, or added to bath water. They are highly concentrated and can burn or irritate the skin. For safety, it’s best to use them in conjunction with a base oil, like coconut or olive. Many people also add them to homemade cleansers and other body products. The benefits of essential oils include reducing stress, balancing hormones, boosting mood, and improving sleep quality. Some research suggests they can even help treat a number of health conditions. However, scientific evidence is limited and broad health claims about essential oils should be questioned.
The most common use of essential oils is for aromatherapy, when the oil’s scent is inhaled to enhance mental and physical wellbeing. When inhaled, the aromatic molecules pass through the olfactory nerve and send messages to the limbic system of the brain, which influences mood and emotions. Lavender is a popular choice because it has many uses, from soothing the nervous system to relieving pain and tension, calming anxiety, and even treating acne. Another powerful oil is lemon, which is thought to boost the immune system and clear respiratory congestion. Many people also enjoy using eucalyptus oil for its ability to relieve sinus pressure and congestion, as well as for its purifying properties in cleaning products.
There’s also some evidence that peppermint oil helps reduce irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and frankincense oil can be helpful in reducing the pain of menstrual cramps. Many essential oils are believed to act as antimicrobial agents, boosting the immune system and eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses that can contribute to illness.
When choosing essential oils, look for short ingredient lists and brands that offer transparency about what’s inside each bottle. Ideally, you should choose organic, non-GMO, and cruelty-free options. Look for third-party certifications like PETA’s Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free and USDA Organic. Additionally, purchase essential oils in dark-colored glass bottles, since light can affect the quality of the oil.
If you’re applying the oils to your skin, make sure to dilute them first with a carrier oil. Many companies provide detailed usage and dilution guidelines, so you can be sure you’re getting the most benefit from each drop. It’s also important to buy from a company that tests its oils in-house, versus relying solely on external testing services.
The multilevel marketing essential oil company doTERRA has a high standard for purity and responsibly sourced products. Its doTERRA Certified Pure Tested Grade protocol, combined with in-house and third-party testing, ensures its essential oils are pure and safe to apply topically.
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