It can also relieve pain and fight against herpes simplex virus thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These days, certain multilevel marketing giants may be marking up their prices because they’re really selling a *brand.* These oils are mass-produced, and the companies are not always forthcoming about their sourcing or sustainability efforts. These oils are typically overpriced.

Extracted from the peel of lemons, lemon oil can be diffused into the air or applied topically to your skin with a carrier oil. What is bergamot? If you’re a fan of Earl Grey tea, then you have had bergamot. The oil, which has a fruity and floral aroma, can be diffused or applied topically with a carrier oil (but it can make your skin sensitive to the sun). Because it takes so much of the plant to make an essential oil, it’s a powerful botanical medicine,” Dr. Lin says. Benefits of essential oils Popular hair, skin, and body care brand Pura D’or is also home to an aromatherapy lineup. Working with professional certified aromatherapist Mikki Anderson, the limited selection of essential oils is ethically sourced from family-run farms and small distilleries. The products are USDA certified organic, Leaping Bunny cruelty-free, and vegan. However, the brand hasn’t made quality test results available as other brands have. Lavender is Dr. Lin’s go-to oil. “It’s gentle and has a lot of benefits. You can use it in a variety of ways,” she says.Essential oils possess a wide range of therapeutic benefits that can help balance and heal our mind, body and soul. They can be used to boost our energy levels during the day, relieve anxiety and stress, aid relaxation, sleep better at night, boost our immune system, fight infection, ease pain, care for our skin, keep our homes clean, and much more. And, unlike modern medications, these naturally therapeutic oils have no nasty side-effects if used correctly. How do essential oils work? You can also add a drop of essential oil to water. “If the water becomes discolored or turns milky, then it has been diluted with water and an emulsifier has been used to keep the essential oil and water together,” she says. The manufacturer matters: Each one comes from a trusted manufacturer that’s transparent about oil extraction methods and plant sources. Before using essential oils on your skin, you must first dilute it with carrier oil (like almond oil or jojoba) — it’s the safest method to apply essential oils topically. Remember, a patch test before using the oil on a larger area of your skin is always a great idea. This way, you are likely to avoid irritation or allergic reactions. Why do essential oils help the body and mind? One of the best ways to suss out which essential oils are authentic and of high quality is to really strengthen your sense of smell (seriously).

Carson CF, et al. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. The brand’s product selection boasts an impressive variety of single and blended oils, USDA certified organic and premium oils, all starting at reasonable prices. You can also shop a collection of diffusers, mists, and bath and skin products for adults and kids. To boost your mood, try the Uplifting Kit with a selection of four citrusy oils (namely lemon, lime, grapefruit, and sweet orange oil) that’s a refreshing and invigorating gift. Neeti Mehra writes about sustainability for The Spruce. As a researcher and consultant, she has edited three magazines during her career covering a broad range of topics. She is committed to sustainable, slow, and mindful living. She personally uses essential oils as a mood booster and particularly enjoys tea tree, rosemary, lavender, and lemongrass, using them in baths, a diffuser, or applied on her skin after diluting them. Lavender: An all-around beneficial essential oil for first aid, luscious lavender promotes sleep, helps heals wounds, and supports healthy skin Essential oils can be used in aromatherapy, a kind of complementary medicine that uses smell to improve your health or applied topically to the skin.Bergamot essential oil may help reduce stress. It contains compounds that may also help to alleviate pain and inflammation. Eden Botanicals uses a cold-pressed extraction process for this oil, sourcing from the plant’s peels. It’s said to have a bright and sweet citrus aroma. Lemongrass oil has a strong citrus scent and is known to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Plants. Quality can be impacted by weather, changing growing conditions, or the use of pesticides or other chemicals. Sadly, that means some of those brown bottles you see on shelves are filled with cheap synthetic fillers, extenders, or even just “fragrance oils” in efforts to simply turn a profit. Prices also fluctuate through the years, depending on crops and what certain harvests can yield. For example, more than 80 percent of the world’s vanilla is grown on the island of Madagascar, which has been hit with terrible weather in recent years.

It’s also a good idea not to use them routinely, as your body can get used to them, lowering their effectiveness,” she says. One 2015 study looked at lemongrass and sweet almond oil’s use as a massage oil, finding that those who were massaged with the oil once weekly for a 3-week period experienced reduced diastolic blood pressure compared to the study’s control group participants. may interact with some prescription medications, unclear if it’s safe for pregnant or breastfeeding people I love Amphora Aromatics, Frankincense and Rose Face cream is my favourite but there are loads of products I wouldn't be without now. Louise Reynolds A great place to start your search for quality essential oils is the list of ingredients on any given bottle. You can look at the ingredients used by specific brands or take a closer look at what’s inside an individual bottle. This is key, as it’ll allow you to determine what, exactly, the oil is made with. Pure essential oils, which tend to be the most expensive, have nothing beyond the oil itself. However, many oils can come with unexpected surprises, like fillers, water, and additives. For the safest options, look for short ingredient lists and brands that offer full transparency around what’s inside every bottle of oil.

100% Pure, Therapeutic Grade essential oils supplied to therapists, schools, NHS hospitals and home users since 2004

Eucalyptus globulus or Eucalyptus radiata: Great essential oils for cooler months, these freshly scented oils support immunity

It takes a tremendous amount of plant material to make essential oils, which can make some of them expensive. For example: Compare the price. A very low price is something to be wary of. But the highest priced bottle might not be the best choice either. In recent years the sale of essential oils has become retail-driven, whereas it used to be more practitioner-driven.As alternative therapies gain steam, essential oils have wafted into the spotlight. Volatile, potent compounds extracted from plants by distillation or expression, essential oils are immensely versatile. These aromatic chemicals have plentiful applications, from scenting homes and aromatherapy to self-care rituals and therapeutic applications. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated, powerful liquids that can be toxic if used incorrectly. Please read our general safety advice to ensure that you use them safely and effectively. Storing essential oils Orange oil has the potential to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be careful about using it on your skin and then going outside. Rosemary oil Orange has its hand in helping out with things like pain relief and stomach issues. Like lemongrass, it’s also thought of as a natural household cleaner and room freshener. We have it on our list for its mood-boosting ability. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, but recently, with wellness turning into a booming industry, EOs have been made more readily available to consumers than ever before.