Essential Oils

Our sense of smell is powerful. The scent of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies can evoke childhood memories of visiting Grandma. That "wet dog" smell when you step outside might prompt you to run back in and grab an umbrella. Likewise, the aroma of essential oils can trigger your brain to react in myriad ways. A whiff of grapefruit may lift your mood and put a smile on your face. The fragrance of lavender might lull you to sleep. Or the scent of peppermint might alleviate a headache.

With the array of aromatherapy oils out there, you may find yourself drowning in a pool of information. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Read on to find out more about essential oils and how you can incorporate them into your life.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated compounds extracted from plants, trees, flowers, fruits, and leaves. Packed with a plant's essence and natural properties, essential oils give off the natural aromas of the plants they're derived from -- and maintain their natural healing properties too.

Essential oils aren't a modern innovation. In fact, their use dates far back in history. Today, aromatherapy oils are used as natural alternatives for everything from beauty and skincare to first aid and wellness.

What Are Some Popular Essential Oils and Their Benefits?

The number of essential oils available can be dizzying. So, let's start with some of the more popular choices and their benefits.

Lavender Essential Oil

Extracted from fresh lavender flowers, lavender essential oil emits a calming, soothing scent. Its sedative nature can help relieve stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness. It may also soothe bruises and minor skin irritations.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is more than just a breath freshener. Peppermint essential oil offers a crisp, bright aroma that can help calm the stomach, clear the sinuses, and increase energy. When applied topically, it may ease headaches and relax tight muscles.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Derived from the leaves of the Australian eucalyptus plant, eucalyptus essential oil may improve respiratory health. Its bright, woodsy aroma can be a welcome relief when you're suffering from a cold or flu.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Boasting antiseptic properties, tea tree essential oil may help with minor skin irritations, acne, and insect bites. Its fresh, medicinal scent may also help alleviate coughs and bronchitis.

Lemon Essential Oil

Get that fresh, uplifting citrus scent in a bottle with lemon essential oil. Besides smelling great, lemon essential oil may offer immune-supporting and cleansing properties. Dilute it with water to use as a natural cleaning product, or diffuse it to fill a room with a fresh, citrusy aroma.

How Do I Use Essential Oils?

Interested in aromatherapy oils but not sure how to use them? Here are a few ways you can use these oils.

Diffuse Them

Diffusion is a popular way to use essential oils. Add a few drops of your favourite aromatherapy oil to an essential oil diffuser to disperse the scent into the air. The essential oil diffuser will emit a fine mist of essential-oil-enhanced water so you can breathe it in and experience its therapeutic benefits.

Apply Topically

When diluted with a carrier such as an oil or cream, essential oils can be applied to the skin for therapeutic effects. Apply diluted essential oils to your temples, neck, or forehead to help relieve tension, or use them as part of your skincare routine. To check for sensitivity, always test the essential oil on a small patch of skin first.

Inhale

Open a bottle of aromatherapy oil, breathe in slowly, and take in the scent. Simply breathing in this scent can offer quick relief. For a soothing, spa-like experience, put a few drops of essential oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale the aroma-filled steam.

What Should I Look For Before Buying Essential Oils?

When shopping for the best essential oils, be wary of synthetic fragrance oils disguised as essential oils. Look for "100% pure essential oil" on the label or description for peace of mind that the product you're buying is pure, unadulterated oil. If it's available, review the ingredient list for chemicals, added fragrance, or other additives.

Some aromatherapy oils are mixed together to create essential oil blends. These blends may be concocted from 100% pure essential oils, but offer the benefit of targeted aromatherapy. A brain-boosting blend, for example, may contain pure peppermint, lemon, and basil essential oils.

Whatever you use essential oils for, look for single-note or blended essential oils that cater to your needs. Shop Best Buy's collection of pure essential oils to lift your life with aromatherapy.