The Top 3 Uses For Essential Oils

Maybe you heard about essential oils from a family member, a close friend, or that really laid back yoga instructor who seems to really have things figured out. But wherever you heard about essential oils, it's likely you didn't get into a deep conversation about how to use them and which oils are best for which ailments. Well, worry not, Seelect Tea has you covered with our list of top 3 uses for essential oils.

What are essential oils?

It's all in the name. There are multiple methods for creating essential oils, but whatever method is chosen (steam distillation or cold-press), essential oils are compounds that capture the unique characteristics--most notably aromatic attributes--of a specific fruit, vegetable, or other plant. These oils are then diluted into a carrier oil (an essence “holder,” if you will) and used for a variety of applications.

Caution:​ Because of the high potency of essential oils, we recommend exercising great caution when using them. Some essential oils can cause skin irritation or other adverse effects if improperly used. Always consult a doctor before using essential oils to ensure they will not cause problems with allergies, medications or other health conditions.

Okay, no more words of caution. On with the show!

What are essential oils good for?

Essential oils have a variety of uses, but we've compiled a list of our top three uses for essential oils, so you can get started on a being a better, healthier, more relaxed you.

1 . Wound Treatment/Soothing Muscle Pain

Many people use diluted essential oils as ointments to treat sore muscles or even help open wounds heal with ease. However, not all essential oils are created equal, and we recommend heavily researching the use of essential oils before use on open wounds.

Several oils, however, do have well-studied effects on pain. ​Lavender oil​ has been shown in several studies to reduce pain in addition to having anti-inflammation properties. The menthol found in ​peppermint oil​ has a cooling sensation on the skin and can help relieve sore muscles as well as having anti-inflammatory properties itself.

Tea tree oil is probably your best bet if you're looking to protect and treat an open wound. With a variety of beneficial characteristics such as antimicrobial and antiseptic effects, this trusty oil not only helps clean your wound but can keep it clean and resistant to infection.

2 . Mood Therapy

Essential oils aren't just good for physical health, either. Good mental health can be just as important as physical health and essential oils can help in that department, too! In the psychological arena, essential oils have therapeutic effects for a bevy of conditions including depression, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, mood swings, and more.

Two of the most common mental health uses for essential oils is reducing anxiety and treating depression. ​Lavender oil​, which we mentioned earlier for helping with pain and inflammation, can also induce a sense of calm that helps ease anxiety and stress. But if you're looking to change up the fragrance, studies have also shown that both sandalwood and sweet basil have anti-anxiety effects as well.

Although depression is a completely separate and distinct condition, many of the essential oils that research has shown to be effective for anxiety, will often give relief to people with depression due to overlapping symptoms. However, some essential oils are specifically recommended to help boost mood and ease symptoms of depression in particular, including:

• - Jasmine oil
• - Sage oil
• - Ylang Ylang oil
• - Lavender oil
• - Roman Chamomile oil
• - Rosemary oil

3 . Aromatherapy Massages

Blending the world of the physical and the mental together, we give you our last favorite use for essential oils. Normal massages are already well-known to be effective for reducing stress, relaxing muscles, and possibly even boosting your immune system, but adding essential oils to your aromatherapy massage sessions can bring an entirely new level of calm and wellness. Try these nifty essential oils for a truly euphoric massage:

• - Coriander oil
• - Lavender oil
• - Geranium oil
• - Ginger oil
• - Peppermint oil

But you don't have to stop with these fantastic oils. Be creative! Make your own essential oil blend and maybe you'll create a superstar oil for your own aromatherapeutic massage business!

One last reminder, before embarking on your journey to become the best massage therapist in town, please remember that essential oils can be highly potent and must be diluted in all instances. Always consult a doctor before trying a new blend.

As you can see, essential oils have a seemingly endless variety of benefits and use for your everyday life. They can be used as a great natural remedy for both physical and mental ailments. Be safe, have fun, and keep up to date on all the latest research on essential oils so that you can stay on your path to becoming a happier, calmer you.