For the longest time, I thought essential oils were complete hocus pokus and only used by vegetarians and vegans. How closed-minded and uninformed does that sound?
I researched the health benefits of essential oils and how they can be incorporated into everyday life, and then I took the plunge and visited a well-known essential oils retail store. After spending 90 minutes talking to a sales associate and deciding which smells I liked, I purchased a diffuser and three diffuser blends. When I tried the new diffuser and followed the sales associate's instructions, I found the smell too strong for my living space. I reduced the number of drops I added to the diffuser by half, and the scent was more enjoyable.
Little did I know essential oils can be toxic to animals. I have a boxer with year-round allergies, and I didn't realize she started sneezing almost immediately after I began diffusing oils in our main living area. It wasn't until a few days later that I realized she was sneezing way more than usual. She also had an unexpected episode in the middle of the night, almost like a seizure, where she went temporarily unconscious. I stopped using the diffuser in the main areas of the house where she lives. I also exchanged the three diffuser blends with scents that are generally more agreeable to animals.
So, What Exactly are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are plant-based, volatile oils that contain a mixture of compounds and are extracted from plants. Essential oils typically have an aroma characteristic of the plant from which they were removed. That aroma is called its "essence."
Essential oils are obtained through distillation, using steam or water or sometimes methods such as cold pressing. It's important to pay attention to how essential oils are made because oils obtained through a chemical process (e.g. using alcohol) are not considered pure essential oils. Equally important, essential oils are unregulated; therefore, the quality, composition, the process by which they are extracted, and overall efficacy can vary greatly.
What is Diffusing and What Does it Do?
Diffusing is a way to add moisture to the air. You can diffuse with water or water and essential oils. Adding moisture to the air is beneficial on its own, but the addition of essential oils can provide therapeutic benefits and a pleasant smell at the same time.
When using an ultrasonic diffuser, negative ions flow into the air, which helps counteract the damaging effects of positive ions resulting from televisions, cellphones, computers and household appliances/electronics.
How are Essential Oils Used, and for What?
Historically, essential oils have been used in aromatherapy for hundreds of years. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to treat ailments like mood disorders, anxiety, stress, insomnia, digestion, etc.
Over the last ten years, however, essential oils have become more mainstream with a growing focus on psychological health and well-being. It is common now to see essential oils incorporated into skincare and beauty products, natural healing aids and cleaning products.
Essential oils are most commonly used for diffusing, inhaling, and massage, although many other applications, such as repellents, air fresheners, and sanitizers, are now available. Essential oils are not meant to be swallowed and can be dangerous if ingested. Some are also potentially dangerous for pregnant/breastfeeding women and children.
There is great debate about the efficacy of essential oils and their impact on wellness. I believe some people use oils because they like the smell, while others use oils because they think they have healing properties.
The most commonly used essential oils include:
Peppermint for pain and headaches
Lavender for calming
Sandalwood for improved focus
Chamomile for relaxation
Tea Tree for immunity and infection
Lemon for digestion and cleaning
Eucalyptus for antiseptic and mucus
Rose for mood moderation
I support healthy alternatives to medicine, where possible and where effective. So products like Peppermint Halo – to reduce headaches, Immune – to ward off colds, and Sleep Well – to aid with a sound slumber, will continue to be staples for me.
I plan to explore plant-based products to replace some of the chemical-laden products in my home—for example, bug sprays, cleaning products and sanitizers.
There you have it – that's my two scents.