Some people think an essential oil is something you put in your car every 3,000 miles to keep the engine running. Others think it is used for frying fish and chips. Some may have heard about essential oils but chalk them off as some New Age fad and poo-poo them. Or, maybe someone gave you a sample kit of essential oils for your birthday, but you haven’t a clue what to do with them. However, a growing group of people use and understand how helpful essential oils can be.

The Good is that essential oils can be very beneficial to us if we use them correctly and for the right purpose.

The Bad is that they can be misunderstood, misused and disregarded. Essential oils can be harmful if they are used full-strength, not properly diluted, or incorrectly administered.

I recommend that you hop on the wagon carefully. You want to choose your first essential oils with thought. Each essential oil comes with a list of properties – innate qualities that can benefit us.  They also have a list of benefits which are the result of what the properties do.

For example: Lavender essential has these properties: antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antitumoral, relaxant, nervine and sedative.

The benefits are: Calming, relaxing, balancing, sleep-inducing.

Because lavender has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties it can soothe cuts and burns as well as treat fungal infections due to its powerful antiseptic properties.

Lavender essential oil works wonders for the hair and scalp and can be used combined with other essential oils as an insect repellant.

Lavender essential oil has been known to relieve insomnia, motion sickness, stress, fatigue, headache and nervous anxiety.

Many essential oils have antiseptic properties and can aid the body in healing.

The main keys to remember about essential oils are:

They should be organic or 100% Pure.

They all require dilution in a carrier oil.

Never ingest them unless guided by certified Aromatherapist not a salesperson.

Note that dosages for the elderly and children differ from those of adults.

Be cautious with the “hot” oils: Oregano, cinnamon, peppermint, close, cumin, thyme, cassia, Ocotea, garlic and black pepper.

Some essential oils are contraindicated for certain conditions. If you have cardio, liver, blood pressure, blood thinning, insulin or pancreatic issues, always check with your doctor first.

Learn about essential oils and their individual properties and benefits. They can work wonders in your life as the natural, earth-friendly essences they are. Take time to educate yourself in essential oils before hopping onto the bandwagon and shouting giddy-up.

When used correctly and in proper dosage (dilution) essential oils can be the best things that ever came into your life.

Book:The Healing Art of Essential Oils