Essential oils are everywhere. These powerful, aromatic plant extracts have found their way into lotions, household cleansers, massage treatments, and even comprehensive complementary therapies to help manage cancer symptoms. Their benefits are also purportedly wide-ranging, from improving sleep and reducing anxiety, to reducing pain and headaches, to taming nausea and promoting deeper relaxation.
An essential oil set is a great gift for anyone who likes to tap into the sensuality of their sustainable skincare and house-care products or simply needs to calm their nervous system.
Hence, in this post I will focus on the essential oil set. You can find out the benefits of different essential oil sets and some different useful ways to use essential oil set.
What Is An Essential Oil?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants. They are also known as volatile oils because they easily evaporate and have a strong scent. The chemical composition of essential oils can vary, but they all contain at least one type of molecule called an aromatic compound. This is what gives essential oils their characteristic smell.
Essential oils are used for a variety of purposes, including relaxation, stress relief, headaches, colds and flu, digestion, and more. You can use them in diffusers, add them to your bathwater, or apply them topically to your skin.
How Are Essential Oils Extracted And How They Work?
Essential oils are compounds that give plants their unique fragrance by steaming or pressing individual parts of plants. These oils can be inhaled, added to a carrier oil and applied directly to the skin, taken orally (partially oral, not all orally), or used to clean and disinfect household products.
When inhaled, the molecules in the essential oil move up the nose, interacting with odor receptors that stimulate the olfactory nerves that connect the brain.
"The oil itself doesn't enter the brain, but it stimulates a response that normally affects different aspects of the brain and central nervous system, especially in an area known as the limbic system." This system has a lot to do with arousal, memory and processing emotions," says Michelle Davila, a naturopathic physician in the Beaumont Department of Health Integrative Medicine in Grosse Pointe and Royal Oak, Michigan.
For example, according to research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, scientists believe that lavender has a brain-stimulating effect similar to that of some sedatives. However, a review evaluating several studies on the efficacy of lavender for neurological disorders found that longer-term follow-up, larger studies, and more consistent clinical parameters were needed before it could be recommended for the treatment of neurological or psychological problems.
Essential oils applied to the skin can also have a certain effect. Dr. Davila explains: "Because essential oils are low in molecular weight and fat-soluble, they can enter the bloodstream and affect every aspect of our overall health."
"But whether you use aromatherapy through the olfactory nerve (or lungs) or absorb it through the skin, the effect is quite similar," she adds.
Many people use essential oils themselves at home. However, they are also used by various healthcare professionals and in a variety of situations with patients. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), aromatherapy is sometimes incorporated into massage therapy to treat knee pain or pain, anxiety, and other symptoms of cancer patients caused by osteoarthritis.
They are also used by doctors, nurses, chiropractors, acupuncturists, holistic health care providers, and dentists, noted Shanti Dechen, a certified clinical aromatherapist and registered massage therapist who is director of the College of Aromatherapy Therapeutic Arts in Crestone, Colorado.
Unfortunately, in the United States, the practice of aromatherapy and the production of products such as aromatherapy essential oils are currently unregulated.
In addition, aromatherapy therapists do not need to be licensed or certified.
However, many organizations offer education and certification programs. The National Holistic Aromatherapy Association (NAHA) is an educational, non-profit organization that sets guidelines for aromatherapy certification programs. Check if your aromatherapy therapist is trained in a NAHA-accredited aromatherapy school.
Benefits Of Essential Oil Set
Essential oil set can be used in aromatherapy, a complementary medicine that uses scents to improve your health or applied topically to the skin.
Research suggests that essential oil set may help:
- Boosts mood.
- Improve job performance by reducing stress and increasing concentration.
- Improve sleep.
- Kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Reduces anxiety and pain.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Reduces nausea.
- Relieves headaches.
Here are some common essential oils which may be included in an essential oil set and their benefits:
Lavender Oil
Lavender is my preferred essential oil set. It's mild and has many benefits. You can use it in many ways.
Try adding it to a bathtub or diffuser as aromatherapy, adding it to water to make a room spray or body spray, or combining it with carrier oil to make a body oil.
Lavender essential oil set can help relieve stress, pain, and sleep. Before the discovery of preservatives, lavender was also used as a cleaning agent in hospitals.
Some studies suggest that the use of lavender oil (and tea tree oil) may disrupt the hormones of young boys.
Tea Tree Oil
Most people use tea tree essential oil set as an antiseptic, antibacterial or antifungal. You can also use it to help:
- Acne. Dip a cotton swab in tea tree oil. Then, apply it directly to the pimple – it's an exception, you don't have to dilute it. It can help get rid of acne faster.
- Athlete's foot and ringworm. Dilute with a carrier oil (a carrier or vegetable oil such as coconut or jojoba that helps dilute the essential oil) and apply the mixture to the affected skin.
One thing to note: Because tea tree oil can be neurotoxic, you should not spray tea tree oil if you have children or animals in your home.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil set is known as the "king of oils" and can help relieve inflammation, improve mood, and sleep. Studies have shown that it can also improve asthma and possibly prevent gum disease.
Frankincense oil has a woody, spicy smell and can be used as an aromatherapy and can be found in skin creams. Before using frankincense oil, be sure to dilute it.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil set has the following effects:
- Is anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial.
- Relieves headaches.
- Anti-fatigue.
- Elevate mood.
- Reduces intestinal spasm.
- Supports digestion.
- Memory support.
If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or stomach irritation, peppermint tea can also relieve your stomach pain It's very gentle and easy to use.
When using this oil locally, be sure to dilute it.
Eucalyptus Oil
In the cold season, eucalyptus is a great essential oil set. It relieves nasal congestion by opening your nasal passages and makes it easier for you to breathe. (Peppermint oil also helps.) )
Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it also relieves pain and fights the herpes simplex virus.
Take precautions when using eucalyptus oil, making sure to dilute it before topical use. It should not be ingested and may have dangerous side effects in children and pets.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil extracted from lemon peel can diffuse into the air or be applied topically to the skin with carrier oil.
Lemon essential oil set has the following effects:
- Reduces anxiety and depression.
- Reduces pain.
- Relieves nausea.
- Kills bacteria.
One study also suggested that aromatherapy with essential oil set such as lemon oil may improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Lemon oil is safe for aromatherapy and topical use. But there are also reports that lemon oil makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn. Avoid direct sunlight after use. This includes lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit, lemongrass, and bergamot oil.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass essential oil set has a strong citrus scent that helps relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
Its antibacterial properties make it a natural remedy for healing wounds and killing bacteria. It has been shown to prevent the growth of fungi such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch.
One study found that using lemongrass oil could help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Always use carrier oil before use.
Orange Oil
Orange essential oil set is made from the peel of citrus fruits. It can spread into the air, apply topically to the skin (with a carrier oil), or even use as a natural cleanser at home.
Orange oil has the following effects:
- Kills bacteria.
- Reduces anxiety.
- Reduces pain.
Orange oil has the potential to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so use it on your skin and be careful when you go outside.
Rosemary Oil
You might include rosemary in some of your recipes. But using rosemary essential oil set also has some additional benefits, such as improving brain function, promoting hair growth, reducing pain and stress, improving mood, and reducing joint inflammation.
Rosemary oil is safe to use in aromatherapy and topical skin with a carrier oil. If you are pregnant or have epilepsy or high blood pressure, it is recommended to avoid rosemary oil.
Bergamot Oil
What is bergamot? If you like Earl Grey, you've drunk bergamot. This oil has a fruity and floral aroma and can be used dispersively or applied topically with carrier oil (but it will make your skin sensitive to the sun).
Bergamot oil has the following characteristics:
- Reduces anxiety.
- Elevate mood.
- Lowers blood pressure.
Cedar Oil
Cedar oil has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is a popular ingredient in insect repellent, shampoos, and deodorants because of its woody smell. But you can also use cedar oil to help with sleep and anxiety.
You can use cedar oil as an aromatherapy or a topical treatment mixed with a carrier oil.
How To Use Essential Oil Set?
Essential oils can be inhaled or used directly on the body. It's not safe to eat. When you apply this oil topically on your skin, be sure to do a patch test ahead of time to make sure you are not allergic and do not use it around the eyes.
The patch test involves applying a small amount of diluted essential oil to your skin, such as your forearm. Wait 24 hours to check for allergic reactions before applying a larger area of skin.
Diffuser
Diffusers are gaining popularity as a tool to help disperse essential oils in the room so you can inhale the vapor. This practice is also known as aromatherapy.
However, while inhaling essential oils can be relaxing (or refreshing, depending on the oil used), using them this way doesn't necessarily benefit the skin.
Massage And Apply Directly
When treating skin problems, essential oils are most likely to work best locally. This requires the use of small drops of oil. You must also first dilute these oils with carrier oil, such as almond oil or olive oil.
Use a few drops per tablespoon of carrier oil for best results, then massage into your skin until completely absorbed.
Bath
Bathing with essential oils can also be a great treatment for various skin conditions, especially if you want to treat hard-to-reach areas such as the back. Just add 10 drops of oil to the bath. Take the time to get out of the tub as the oil will smooth the surface.
Precautions & Essential Oil Set Safely
While using essential oils safely and responsibly, it is important to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. This includes never using undiluted sunscreen, testing the skin patch before use, understanding the effects of the sun after use, and sourcing sunscreen from ethical brands known for quality and purity.
For External Use Only
As with all other New Directions aromatic products, essential oils are intended for external use only. Essential oils should never be used on the eyes, inside of the nose and near the ears, or on any other particularly sensitive skin area. Before using these oils for treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Phototoxicity
Avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours after topical application of bergamot oil, grapefruit essential oil, lemon essential oil, and any other phototoxic essential oil.
Pregnancy And Other Health Conditions
It is especially recommended that pregnant and lactating women do not use essential oils without medical advice from a doctor.
People with the following health conditions are especially advised to consult a doctor: cancer, heart-related disease, skin disease or allergies, hormone-related diseases, or epilepsy.
Individuals who are taking prescription medications, undergoing major surgery or stroke, heart attack, or atherosclerosis, are also advised to seek medical advice before use.
Children And Safety
These oils should be stored out of reach of children, especially children under 7 years of age.
How to perform a skin patch test
Before using any essential oil, it is recommended to do a skin test. It is possible to dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 4 drops of carrier oil and apply a small amount of this mixture to a small piece of insensitive skin.
Side Effects Of Essential Oils
Potential side effects of essential oils include redness, rash, hives, burning, bleeding disorders, slowed healing, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, convulsions, and rapid heartbeat. In case of anaphylaxis, stop using the product and immediately see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist for health assessment and appropriate remedial measures. To prevent side effects, consult a professional doctor before use.
Conclusion
Essential oil sets are a convenient and cost-effective way to use essential oils. They offer many benefits, including relaxation, stress relief, headaches, colds and flu, digestion, and more. You can use essential oils in diffusers, add them to your bathwater, or apply them topically to your skin. When using essential oils topically, always dilute them with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation. There are many different essential oil set combinations available, so you're sure to find one that meets your needs.