I’m hearing so many good things about essential oils and how they can boost immune function, heal infection and help a variety of ailments. Botanical oils have been part of the healer’s toolkit for thousands of years. But once modern medicine began to develop pharmaceuticals, the use of essential oils fell away. Today, as many people suspect that Big Pharma may not always have the patient’s interests at heart, that’s changing. It’s only natural to question a drug when the list of its side effects exceeds the description of the drug’s benefit. Essential oils are back in favor.
Still, how do we dig through so much confusing information? Then I found a post by Ellen Burgan, who has been using oils for about a decade. She’s written an easy-to-understand beginner’s guide to essential oils, which she kindly agreed to allow me to share with you.
Her post lays out many of the most common and most helpful essential oils and how they can be used. The concentration of phytochemicals used can be potent, so she cautions about using the oils in safe quantities. More is not always better! And as always, we recommend talking to your physician before you begin their use.
Because I’m a believer in alternative remedies, you might wonder why I don’t already know more about this. The fact is that at menopause I began to get scent-sensitive. I can not tolerate most concentrated scents and that includes essential oils. (Thankfully, most people do not have this at menopause. I suspect I inherited it from my mother, to whom it also happened.) It’s a huge disappointment that I can’t use esssential oils.
A number of my colleagues do use the oils and when they come up to hug me it becomes a problem. So if you’re an extensive user of the oils, please be aware of this when you hug someone you don’t know.
I thank Ellen for sharing this post with my readers.
I’m a huge fan of essential oils too and it’s true, there’s been a lot of confusion about them. It’s good that there are many books and experts who can shed some light on the many questions we have about EO.
I might have to start looking into this, my wife swears on always having some sort of lavender diffuser going.
It has so many benefits and uses and it’s really nice to be able to use it to help with your health. I’m sorry you won’t be able to enjoy them.
I love essential oils! I use them go so many things. Lavender seems to be the oil I use most often!!
I just love using essential oils in my home. I even use them on my kids when they aren’t feeling well and swear by them!
When I was growing up, essential oils is a big thing with my Mom. I haven’t tried it with my kids but this is a great guide.
Essential oils are good. But as like everything else it should be used in moderation. We use Eucalyptus and sandalwood ones.
I love essentials oils! This is one of the ways for me to destress and have a relaxing time over a hectic and stressful day. Eucalyptus and Lavender is my favourite.
Essential oils are something I have been looking into trying for a while. I’ve seen so many great benefits related to health.
Im on my Mexican mini expat vacation and I made sure to bring my essential oils with me. My friend also said I got her addicted to tea tree oil!
I’ve used a few essential oils myself but never knew the different kinds of purpose it has. Great info, will try to keep this in mind.
I adore my essential oils. I diffuse nightly and just recently used lavender to help heal a blister on my tongue!
This is a great guide! I use a few essential oils and I love the benefits. Thanks for sharing this!
I love essential oils, they are my go to when my kids are sick or if we are having a rough night lavender can save my sanity.
I often question the validity of oils and their effectiveness. Thanks for the info. I would like to understand them better.
Essential oils are becoming a household staple these days. It’s good to read a guide for beginners.
Essential oils are a huge trend right now. There are so many recipes to try not only for skincare solutions but also for house cleaning.
I use them all the time and I love them. Cedarwood is easily my most used scent.
I’ve used essential oils for a few years now. They help me with migraine pain and it’s fun to make natural beauty products with them as well. The photograph you used at the top of this page is lovely and soothing…perfect for the post!
I love using essential oils and regularly diffuse them
I honestly need to learn more about essential oils. This post and the guide really helped me figure out the best way to use them. Thanks for writing!
http://Www.thegoldenlining.com
I use essential oils for EVERYTHING: physical and emotional health, cleaning, DIY face and body care products, on our dogs. I love that they help bring the body into balance without chemicals, toxins or side-effects.
When I teach classes on them, people are always amazed at their many uses.
I absolutely agree with you. Essential oils have helped me and my family with all sorts of ailments. I use doTerra.
I love essential oils. I’ve used a couple for years just for their aroma. I only recently found out that they have actual health benefits.
I have heard about these oils, but I haven’t tried them yet. Maybe one day I will. I would love my house to smell nice!
I have never used oils before but have been reading about them more and more.
I have never used any essential oils, I do love scented candles though. I need to know how to start and get a good diffuser to try them if they cure so many things.
You may like my new line of healing candles, coming in July!
I really enjoyed reading this post. It’s great information to know. I love essential oils and I’m currently building my collection.
I like to use alternative medicine. Your right oils and their uses can be confusing. Get a great book and study up.
I also believe in alternative remedies and I’ve heard so many great things about essential oils. I’ve used them some but I need to learn more about them.
We are big essential oil users over here! They help in so many ways – I always have a lavender blend or eucalyptus blend diffusing!