If you find yourself asking “Where do I start?” when it comes to essential oils, we are here to help with this comprehensive guide to essential oils containing all of the essential oil basics you need to know.

Essential oils have become a must-have component for DIY bath and body recipes and remedies … and for good reason.

With an array of aromatic variations, multiple usages, and a long list of health benefits, essential oils are a valuable addition to all your bath and body creations. But let’s be honest, they can be a bit overwhelming when deciding which ones to use and how.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are wonderfully fragrant, natural oils that can be easily altered to take on a gas, liquid or solid state, making them perfect for a variety of DIY products! Each type of oil possesses specific properties said to have positive effects on mood and overall wellness.

I don’t know about you guys, but I am always up for an all-natural wellness boost!

Essential Oil Basics

For all you lovely DIYers who want to create your own purifying skin serums and detoxifying diffuser mixes, we think it’s necessary to brush up on the essential oil basics in regard to storage and usage.

Although essential oils possess a variety of emotional and physical wellness benefits, they can also be dangerous if misused or when applied by people with certain skin conditions. Remember to always thoroughly read labels before using and do a little research before incorporating them into our routine.

See also:

• The Danger Zone: Cats and Essential Oils
• Is it safe to use essential oils during pregnancy?
• 10 Essential Oils to Avoid Wearing in the Sun

Also, please note that pure essential oils are much more potent than those that have already been diluted. Be sure to adjust the amount used accordingly.

We put together quick reference infographics to help you get started.

Infographic: Storage Tips, Essential Oil Conversions & More

 

How Can I Use Essential Oils?

Personally, we are always looking for fun, new ways to incorporate essential oils into our daily routine. And quite frankly, the possibilities are endless. Here’s a breakdown of the ways our bodies can absorb the nourishing benefits essential oils have to offer.

Topical – Applying to the skin

Essential oils can be added to solid perfumes, daily skin serums, moisturizing body butters, facial scrubs, and more.

Aromatic – Breathing in through the air

Create a mixture of your favorite oils to put in your diffuser, make a refreshing spray for fabrics with citrus or clove oils, or add to bath salts and throw in steamy bath water to indulge in the ultimate pampering experience.

Keep reading to find some of our favorite essential oil blends.

Let’s Talk Benefits

So what exactly are the benefits, you ask? Can an essential oil really make you smarter? Here’s a list of five popular essential oils and the positive qualities each one has to offer.

Take a look at the infographic below to start discovering which oil varieties will deliver the desired results you’re looking for.

Infographic: Benefits of 5 Top Essential Oils

 

5 Essential Oils to Try This Year

While oils like Lavender and Eucalyptus are wonderful in many ways, we don’t want them to steal the show. Check out a few lesser known yet amazing essential oils, the healthful properties they possess, and a few ways to incorporate them into your daily routine.

1) Elemi (A cost-friendly substitute to Frankincense!)

Benefits:

– Rejuvenates skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles

– Reduces stress

– Helps in the reduction of head and joint pain

– Increases blood circulation

– Promotes a healthy respiratory system

Uses:

– Add a few drops to a pot of boiling water. Carefully breathe in steam to relieve pressure in your sinuses or chest.

– Incorporate into a facial scrub or mask to diminish wrinkles and leave your skin glowing.

– Combine with milk and add to steamy bath water to relieve stress and exhaustion from the day.

2) Cardamom

Benefits:

– Eases nausea

– Acts as a digestive aid

– Contains antiseptic and astringent properties

– Eases depression and fatigue

– Relieves pain

Uses:

– Combine with a carrier oil and rub on your stomach to ease abdominal discomfort or bloating.

– Mix a few drops in water and use as a mouthwash to disinfect your mouth and fight bad breath.

– Cardamom belongs to the same plant family as ginger, and therefore, contains similar properties. Add 2-3 drops to a tea or tonic to help ease nausea.

3) Geranium

Benefits:

– Boosts mood

– Alleviates tension and stress

– Helps with infections

– Reduces the appearance of wrinkles

– Repels insects

– Regulates hormones

Uses:

– Due to its astringent nature, geranium is a wonderful addition to your daily face moisturizer.  Add a couple drops and watch those unwanted fine lines fade away.

– Geranium works as a natural antidepressant making it a perfect aromatic to use in your diffuser after a long day.

– Combine with jojoba oil to make a soothing massage oil for those tense muscles or to provide relief for bug bites.

4) Patchouli

Benefits:

– Promotes cell regeneration

– Helps in the treatment of acne

– Reduces anxiety and depression

– Useful for treating dry skin

– Works as a natural deodorant

– Helps maintain a healthy immune system

Uses:

– Struggling with dandruff this winter? Add a few drops of Patchouli to your normal shampoo and conditioner to treat a flaky scalp.

– Incorporate with your massage oil to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

– Apply to a cotton ball and dab under your arms to prevent unwanted body odor.

5) Clary Sage

Benefits:

– Relaxes muscles

– Relieves anxiety and emotional tension

– Prevents excessive sweating

– Helps with digestive problems and cramps

– Eliminates greasy hair

Uses:

– Due to its beautifully nutty fragrance and relaxing properties, a few drops of Clary Sage oil is another great addition to a soothing bath.

– Sometimes referred to as a “woman’s oil,” Clary Sage can be helpful in aiding menstrual cramps. Combine with Cardamom and your carrier oil of choice, and apply to affected area to relieve pain.

– Add to your diffuser at bedtime to promote a healthy, restful night’s sleep.

Our Favorite Essential Oil Blends to Use in Your Reed Diffuser

– 6 drops grapefruit + 6 drops orange + 4 drops lemon + 2 drops bergamot

– 6 drops lemongrass + 6 drops lavender + 6 drops eucalyptus

– 6 drops lemon + 6 drops lavender + 6 drops grapefruit

– 6 drops tangerine + 6 drops spearmint + 6 drops lemongrass

 

Keep checking back because we’ll be updating our essential oils guide at flourish to include more fun and unconventional ways to use each one!

 

Ready to start creating? Take a look at our collection of essential oils available from The Shoppe.

 

NOTE: Always test a small area of your skin, first, to check for sensitivity. Please avoid contact with eyes and approach all oils with extreme caution if you have any skin allergies. Please seek professional advice prior to using essential oils while pregnant.

 

Want to know more about a particular essential oil? Share with us in the comments.

 

 

 

The information provided on flourish is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat any medical condition. Content is based on personal research and experiences and is meant for entertainment purposes only. We are not licensed nutritionists or medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor.